INTER-SERVICES CYCLING TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008

The 2008 Championships hosted by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Cycling Association, co-ordinated by CPOPT Sean Childs and run in conjunction with the Team Velocity Weekender near Chichester, Hampshire on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April 08. The Champs attracted 45 service riders for the Saturday evening 10 mile event and 48 for the Sunday morning 25 mile event, which goes to show that Service cycling in general continues to grow in strength. With the exception of a few illnesses and work commitments all teams were at full strength, so a great weekend of racing was on the cards.

10 Mile TT Championships

The course consisted of A Roads which were mainly rolling and featured 2 roundabouts and 2 left turns. The start was fast and included a 1½ mile descent, of which the riders had to part climb on their way back to finish. Conditions were fairly good and the only hindrance was the traffic, especially on the fast descents. Last man off, Childs (RNRMCA) put in blistering time of 20.28 to reclaim his title (his 6^th 10 Mile I/S Championship win). The battle behind was a lot closer and it came as a surprise when top Combined Services Cross Country Mountain Bike Rider, Major Andy Plewes RM (RNRMCA) just edged out elite roadie S/Sgt Martin Smith (Army CU) to the runner up spot by just 3 seconds with 21.17 to Smith's 21.20. Evergreen Sgt John Surtees (RAFCC) reclaimed his Veteran title in 21.50 and Cpl Jacqui Marshall (RAFCC) won the ladies title in a cracking time of 25.06. The RNRMCA dominated the team category with 4 riders in the top eight and with Childs, Plewes and 5^th places Lt Steve Kelly RN in 21.49 took their 4^th consecutive team title with a combined time of 1.03.34.

25 Mile TT Championships

The forecasted outlook for the Sunday morning was dismal as heavy rains were expected, but against the odds on the day winds were fair and the weather was bright. However on route to the venue the majority of the riders were held up due to an accident on the A27. This meant either a quick change at the HQ with limited warm up or for the unlucky few a late start. The course although mainly flat with approximate two thirds dual carriageway, did have about eight roundabouts to contest and at times these were built up with heavy traffic. The racing proved to be a lot closer than the previous day as the RN suffered a few blows with riders not starting due to illness and some not finishing due to punctures. The racing was still fast and competitive and Childs produced a winning 52.31 to claim his 4^th consecutive 25 title to finish a minute ahead of the 2004 champion Smith in 53.32 who suffered with gear changing problems throughout his ride. 3^rd place went to Surtees (past winner in 2002 and 2003) in 54.56, who also won the Veteran category. Marshall made it a double for the RAF when she added the 25 title to her previous day's 10 with a 1.04.20. The team event was a lot closer and it was the Army CU and RAFCC who packed in more riders into the top 12 than the RNRMCA. This was probably the tightest it has been for many years and when the times were compiled, it was the RNRMCA with Childs, Plewes 56.10 and CPOAEA Andy Phipps 57.14 who held onto a very narrow 13 second victory over the Army with a 2.45.55 to the Army's 2.46.08.

Full results will be published as soon as they are received. Late starters times will be amended to reflect actual ride times.

All in all a great weekend for Cycling and Service sport in general. Don't forget that the Combined Services Best all Rounder event is now up and running, so make sure you forward all your fastest 10, 25 and 50 mile times CPOPT Sean Childs. The RNRMCA Road Race Champs on Fri 9 May 08, also features the RAFCC Champs and is open to Army and guest riders. The Army are promoting their Cycling festival week from Mon 9 - Sun 15 Jun for all cycling disciplines and this will take place at various destinations throughout Wiltshire/Hampshire. Finally don't forget the Combined Services Sportive an event that is open to all standards of cyclists, which turned out to be very successful in its first year in 2007.

Want to know more about representing the RNRMCA at Time Trial Events?

As the full result list will no doubt attest the RNRMCA currently has Time Trial Riders representing the club at all standards. Entering a Time Trial Is simple and once you've tried it you will never look back. Don't worry about your level of fitness or current standard there will always be someone to compete against and the bottom line is it's you against the clock. So come on you Royal Navy Royal Marine riders contact Sean Childs Now for more details.