vcnorwich

The first sportive inNorfolkorganised by the clubs for the clubs was declared a success after an idyllic Sunday in and aroundNorth Norfolk. We closed entries at 400 this year partly to ensure we had enough support to cope – there was a team of 25+ volunteers on the day. Apart from a couple of riders missing signs and a grazed knee the ride was run without incident and was a testament to how the Norfolk clubs can work together – a big thanks to Sara Flatt and Ken Jolliffe for making it happen. VCN were out in force both riding and doing their bit to help run the event (signing, supporting start and finish activities and manning the 70 mile feedstop). The event covered its costs and the profits will go into a fund to support otherNorfolkcycling events over the coming year(s). A full report to follow in the newsletter at the end of June.

For yet another year VCN had a strong representation at the Norwich 100 and with several groups to choose from there were speed options for all. Here you can see the first of the middle group gathering before riding through to the start in Chapel Close. In all we had over 50 red and black shirts on the road with many taking the opportunity to top up tans at the finish before retiring to the pub to indulge in large quantities of “recovery drink”. For a full report see the link to the June newsletter below, but for those wanting to hear rider comments or see photos drop into the VCN facebook page or go here.

VC Norwich Newsletter June 2012

CC Breckland held their annual (and excellent) “Slowest 60” 10 mile TT on the 23 May and with half the field going under 24 minutes one wonders what the results of a “Fastest 60” would have been!

VCN Second claim rider Scott Davison (Velo Velocity.co.uk) was the fastest solo rider recording 21:37 with VCN’s Karl Read less than a minute behind in 13^th place. Sally Withey took the women’s prize for VCN with an excellent PB of 24:13 and Markos Janes came very close to going under 25 minutes; also a PB.

Thanks Breckland for another great event and sorting out a perfect evening weather-wise. Full results here.

Neil Vaughan and Will Bamber both rode the North Norfolk Wheelers 100 on Sunday 12^th May. Will’s time of 4:14:49 deserves special mention and secured 3^rd place on a challenging day and course.

Iceni Road Race (6 May): In his first road race on this local hilly circuit, Will Bamber attacked on the penultimate lap and got away from the bunch to take 7th place (4 points). Other VCN riders included James Browne (11th), Dale Johnson (15th), Ian Sandall, Tom Sharpe and Glyn Thomas

Ixworth Crits (7 May): VCN riders attended the annual Criterium races held at this small village, which closes the roads to make a short circuit that runs through the high street. This is a great day’s racing with lots of spectators and plenty of races through the day, from kids to elites, which included 6 riders from Team Raleigh. VCN Placings were: Masters: Philip Thomerson (11th). 3/4 Race: James Browne (7th) Glyn Thomas (9th).
InvB Race: Philip Thomerson (9th)

Newsletter May12

The Spring club meeting is to be held on 30th April, 8pm at the the White Horse PH in Trowse. For this first meeting we have a very open and informal agenda aimed at getting our season off in the right direction… so please come whether you simply want advice on how get started in a new area of the sport; you have ideas on how to contribute to the club or you simply want a chance for a social drink and chat. New, Old or prospective members all welcome.  We will have a range of resources and information available on the night.

Scott Davidson’s first TT as an organiser was blessed with a 3 hour period of sunshine… which bearing in mind the weather that preceded and followed the event is amazing. We had in excess of 90 riders (only 6DNSs) and some very good times despite the headwind on the west bound leg. Peter Balls of West Suffolk Wheelers rode an excellent 53:29 to win overall but he was joined by 29 others who beat the hour. VCN’s honour was upheld by Neil Vaughan who took the vets’ competition with a time of 58:22. Full results here.

Thanks to all the VCN members who helped run the event, and thanks too to all the riders (and supporters) from the 30 local and not so local clubs who came along. Norwich ABC deserve special mention fielding 11 riders … for a rogues gallery of competitors go to Mark Cozen’s excellent website or the VCN Facebook page