Wet, Wet, Wet – WVCC Open 25 2018

Remember them? Course you do. Most of the riders on Saturday also remember what wet, wet, wet really is, because that is what it was! Those who popped out, got wet.

Although the day started out only slightly damp, more washing of the roads was to come.

The day was split into 2 events, first the M&DTTA Ladies event, where 15 riders entered.

As the rain started, may looked out of the HQ at Cranage with glum and uncertain faces. Nevertheless, after a few DNSs 9 ladies started the event.

After what seemed like an age staring out at the steady monsoon, the first results came in, with number 1, Claire Harrison, clocking a very respectable 1:05:21 and making 3rd place on the day, followed by Sarah Grant, the eventual winner with a rocketing 1:02:21.

Our very own Carol Robson came in with a fantastic 1:13:10. This was Carol’s first ever 25. Somewhat of a baptism of… well… water?

Later still came in the well on-form Emily Martin, finishing with a 2nd place (and a puncture), and only 21 seconds behind Sarah Grant with 1:02:42. Thanks must go to Carol Robson, who after finishing cold and wet, selflessly jumped into her car and wne to the finish to pick up Emily after her unfortunate puncture.

The men’s event started with a flurry of DNSs on the start sheet. Hardly surprising that anyone, wanted to race as the rain battered the course, the riders and the marshals.

However, Matt Stephenson set an early fast time with a 59:24,  and no-one touched him Joseph Cadwallader came through at 59:08, and then shortly after, Ben Norbury with a 55:40. There were also a a few early DNFs due to mechanicals, punctures etc, but the TT went on, with riders heading out into the continuing rain.

Time hovered a few mins above the hour in the main, with only a few going sub-hour, until no. 100, Adrian Hughes came in with a 55:23, just a second ahead of Ben Norbury.

No-one bettered the time until the last man, Alex Jones, from Rhyl Cycling Club, came in with an astonishing 52:22!! Needless to say, he smashed it, and won the event overall.

Weaver Valley men made a strong attack of the race, with the following finishing:
Dan Robson (breast stroke – last 5 miles), Craig Sephton, Dan Conaway, Colin Latter, Steve Marlow, Paul Connor, Alistair Stanway, Andrew Woolley.

Well done guys!

A very challenging day in all, so well done to all who rode.

In particular, both I and Chris Gilbertson would like to extend our thanks to the M&DTTA ladies for manning the kitchen with cake and hot brews for cold wet riders, and to all the marshals, who spent a cold wet afternoon, stood at various junctions, making sure that the event went safely. We couldn’t do it without you guys.

Yup, I think it might be raining. Image courtesy of stalwart marshal Alex!

Ladies times

Men’s Times

Full result sheet below:

Weaver Valley CC 25 TT – 080918 – results