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Successful Eastern Region Road Races back on the Calendar

It was a warm Sunday afternoon on 12th July 2026 for VC Norwich E123 Road Race. 27-riders on a short but technical 7km circuit for 19 laps to complete a 117km race.

2-rider 80km breakaway and a straight up sprint with Toby Bartlett (Wold Top Pactimo) taking the win crossing two seconds ahead of Morris Bacon (DAP Cycling Club).

An attritional race with just 9-riders finishing. Fan favourites Dan Bigham (WattShop) punctured and following a wheel change suffered in the chase back on after 13 laps and Frank Longstaff (DAS Richardsons), the highest-ranked rider in the field retired with 4 laps to go.

Race report from The British Continental https://thebritishcontinental.co.uk/2026/07/13/2026-vc-norwich-road-race-report-and-results/.

VC Norwich would like to say a massive thanks to organiser Steve Swift, the many VCN club members involved and to partner club Diss CC and their members for support and running the morning 3/4 Race.

The races require a significant effort from both clubs and together would like to express gratitude to National Escort Group) NEG, Norfolk Event Medical Services (NEMS), Accredited Marshalls, BC Commissaires, Ken Joliffe and BC eastern for subsidising race timing, Convoy drivers, radio operators, and to Lopham Village Hall.

Photography from Lex Spedding https://www.that-shotmedia.com and IG on https://www.instagram.com/that_shotmedia/

Drone fotage from James Walsgrove RHdroneMedia https://rideharder.co.uk/ and IG on https://www.instagram.com/rhdronemedia/

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Position	Name	Club name	Rider status	Category	Points
1.	Tobias Bartlett	Wold Top Pactimo	Finished	1st	60
2.	Morris Bacon	DAP Cycling Club	Finished	1st	52
3.	Elliot Barratt		Finished	2nd	45
4.	Nathaniel Ground	Dulwich Paragon CC	Finished	3rd	40
5.	Jonny Britton	Moonglu SpatzWear	Finished	1st	35
6.	Philip Large	Wold Top Pactimo	Finished	Elite	31
7.	Benjamin Arey	Halesowen A & CC	Finished	1st	27
8.	Jake Lunt	360cycling	Finished	2nd	23
9.	Jack Sutton	La Vetta CC	Finished	2nd	20
10.	Tondirayi Mpambawashe		Finished	2nd	17
11.	Callum Laborde	Ornata Factory Racing	Finished	Elite	15
12.	Kaine Petrie	Primo RT	Finished	2nd	13
13.	Ben Baker	Schils – Doltcini Racing Team	Finished	2nd	11
14.	Daniel Bigham	WattShop	Finished	2nd	9
15.	Ashley Hutchison	TAAP Kalas	Finished	1st	7
16.	Lance Childs	Ride Revolution Coaching	Finished	1st	6
17.	Benjamin Myers	DAS Richardsons	Finished	2nd	5
18.	Stan Beach	Woods Cycle Club	Finished	2nd	3
19.	William Wilson	DRAFT	Finished	3rd	2
20.	Dominic Clarke		Finished	2nd	1
21.	Patrick Manning	Gt Yarmouth CC	Finished	3rd	0
—	David Bagdan	6AM Cycling	Did not start	2nd	0
—	Nicholas Candy	Zappi Racing Team	Did not start	3rd	0
—	Matthew Holland	Schils – Doltcini Racing Team	Did not finish	2nd	0
—	Frank Longstaff	DAS Richardsons	Did not finish	Elite	0
—	Tyler Lowe	Woods Cycle Club	Did not finish	3rd	0
—	William Pollard	Team PB Performance	Did not start	2nd	0
—	Max Sillifant	Wold Top Pactimo	Did not finish	1st	0
—	Thomas Womack	League-Fortè Chiropractic	Did not finish	2nd	0

On the longest day of the year 24 club members, all looking great in club jerseys, set off from Norwich on a 75-mile round trip to Southwold.

The riders split into three groups and rode a scenic route through the beautiful south Norfolk countryside to the picturesque seaside town in Suffolk, passing the pier and lighthouse en route. For several it was a first time ride to Southwold and for many a first visit to the excellent Gun Hill Kiosk.  A relaxed café stop for bacon rolls and drinks which provided an opportunity for all riders to mingle and enjoy the sea views from the promenade. Some even removed their shoes and socks and ventured on to the beach!

A wind assisted return leg finished back at The Manor Rooms in Trowse for pizza, beers and cake. The numbers swelled to over 30 as other members joined the birthday party celebrating 50 years since the club was formed in 1976. The room was decorated with red and black bunting and jerseys from years gone by. However, everyone stayed outside to enjoy the merriment in the sunny courtyard!

Current chairperson Adam Simmonds said a few words while precariously holding the birthday cake! Adam recognised the clubs sporting history, members coming together and achievements over the years covering a wide range of abilities, social riding and competitive racing. Despite the peaks of 2012 Olympics and troughs through COVID, the club celebrates an active and healthy membership in an upward trend with the current membership approaching 100 and a lot of Club activities. These members are also enjoying social events organised by the club, and long may it continue, maybe for another 50 years! Candles were blown and cake enjoyed by all!

The future is exciting for VCN

Big thanks to Michael Wild for organising an excellent day and everyone who contributed.

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19 Club members set out for the annual VC Norwich Weekend Trip. The destination was Ely on 6-7th June 2026 to cover 140 miles.

It began on Satuday with an arduous weather forecast, unsual for June with drizzle and strong headwinds. Overnight bags were dropped off with our support van in Eaton, Norwich which would follow the Groups and provide any mechanical support along the way and meeting us at the Hotel in the afternoon.

We split into our two groups Club (16-17mph) Middle Fast (19-21mph) for the Grand Depart. First pit stop of the day was in Swafham at the Tea Pot Cafe.

We then took a beautiful route through Denver Sluice and along the Great River Great Ouse until the final stop at Ely Cathedral and the Travel Lodge to check into our rooms.

In the evening we all convened in the Minster Pub for a well earned drink before walking onto the The Prince Albert for an excellent evening meal (and some more drinks!)  

On Sunday after breakfast we had a strong tail wind back towards Norwich across the Fens and along tree lined roads as we crossed the border from Suffolk back into Norfolk. The club booked out the whole of Penny’s Cafe in Shipdham for excellent Tea/Coffee, Sandwiches, Chips and Cake.

The last leg was back to Norwich to conclude a challenging but fantastic VCN Weekend Away.

Thanks to everyone involved for making it a great weekend and especially the organisers; Rob Stonge, Michael Wild, Tim Spencer and our Driver/Master Mechanic Paul Dolphin.

VCN held its annual 25 mile Time Trial on the B25/50 Wortwell – Bungay – Harleston course on Sunday 10th May 2026. The event is named in memory of Mark Smart former long standing VCN member Chair who favoured a longer TT.

With a fast field of 41 riders comprising top local TT talent and Pro Triathlete and YouTuber Joe Skipper the Race was primed to be a great event with eyes on the Course Record a short 50 minute.

VCN were out in force to provide HQ support, Sasuage Rolls coffee and cakes to Marshall the event – a big thanks to everyone who helped!

Weather conditions were cool temperatures but a little Northerly breze making one of the legs a little challenging to pace.

VCN have mastered LIVE results and announcing winners and providing prizes on the day.

https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/events/42030-vc-norwich-25

Winners of the Open category were

• Joe Skipper (JYD) – 50:45
• Matt O Brien (Pedal Revolution)
• Chris Holmes (VCN)

Winners of the Female Category were

• Hannah O Brien (Pedal Revolution) 59:44
• Denise Hurren (Hastag)
• Jen Clegg (Botrill)

Road Bike

• Jason Yaxley (VCN) 58:50
• Graham Dilks (NABC)
• Jason Turner (NABC)

We look forward to seeing racers return for our next event on Saturday 27th June at 1400

May the 4th be with you – 11x VCN raced the VC Barrachi May Day 10 mile Time Trial from Wortwell to Bungay on the B10/43. Weather conditions were ok, a mild breeze from North with temperatures around 12 Degrees C.

Dan Blackburn and Chris Holmes broke the B10/43 Tandem Course Record with an aesome time of 19.06 and Jason Yaxley won the Road Bike category with a time just over 23 minutes. Well done VCNrs.

VCN riders met up for some pre ride banter and warmup, some great racing, some PBs and strong rides followed by a post race coffee and cake. A very well organised event – well done VC Barrachi and thanks for all the great Photos!

• Adam Simmonds
• Alejandra Trippet
• Carl Pentney
• Chris Holmes
• Dan Blackburn
• David Sweeting
• Jason Yaxley
• Julian Roberts
• Kerstin Schankat
• Sarah Jayne Graves
• Simon Tagger

GYCC hosted a blustery cold Good Friday early season 10 mile indiviudal Time Trial on 3rd April 2026 at the popular B10/43l circuit from Wortwell to Bungay

A fantastic turn out of 9x VCN members represented their club from seasoned racers and race first timers in Time Trial and Road Bike categories.

Well done to all the VCNs riders with some great achievements

• Alejandra Trippet First Timer (PB) and 1st lady Road Bike,
• Kertsin Schankat 2nd lady Road Bike,
• Dan Blackburn 4th Overall and £15 Prize for 3rd Open and Vets,
• Chris Holmes 6th overall and £20 prize for 2nd Vets on standard,
• Julian Roberts 1st on Handicap £30 prize and Derek Evans memorial Plaque,
• Adam Simmonds 3rd on Handicap £15 prize
• Simon Tagger First Timer PB,
• Chris Garwood,
• Carl Pentney PB,

Big thanks to GYCC and full race results can be found in link below

https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/events/42874-great-yarmouth-c-c-10

Sunday 14th December was VCNs annual Xmas Ride

33 members joined for a shorter non-stop ride finishing at Trowse Manor Rooms for club sponsored food and refreshments.

4 groups set out for approximately 40 miles

• Club Pace 15-16mph
• Middle Group Pace 17mph
• Middle/Fast Pace 18mph
• Fast Pace 20mph

Great time had by all and well done everyone for the fabulous bike and rider decorations. Middle group started out with an early puncture whereas Middle/Fast groups compared repair time between a Tubeless and Tube replacement. Fast group didnt let up and returned to HQ sharpish to finish setting up the sandwiches, and test the cakes!

Winner of the prize for Best decorated bike / rider was Holly Kay shown here with her Santa beard, closely followed by Ali Trippett. Congratulations on a well deserved bottle of Winbirri wine.

Thanks to all the members who attended and to those who contributed food, drinks and homemade cakes.

Sunday 21st September was the Clubs late Summer VCN subsidised group meet at the Grain Kitchen in East Harling.

36 Members organised into 3/4 paced groups enjoyed Coffee, Bacon Rolls and Avocado on Toast.

Routes and groups were excellently organised by Michael Wild and an army of Ride Leaders; Nick Kidd, Kersrtin Schankatt and Neil Vaughan.

Well done to all members in making this a success

Big thanks to the Grain Kitchen for hosting us and allowing us to use their private side room.