DLN Nov 2003

David Millar delivered the Time Trial World title every British fan hoped he had in him in a superb display of time trial riding in Hamilton, Canada. Millar finished the 41.6km course in 51 minutes 17.3 seconds, a massive 85 seconds clear of runner up Michael Rogers of Australia, with Uwe Peschel of Germany just a half a second further back in third. For Millar it was a wonderful performance in many ways. Firstly he rose to the challenge of being a clear favourite for the event superbly. The pressure pre race must have been terrific, yet the tall Scot shrugged it off with a display of sublime riding. (Please note he is not a De Laune Member).

OFFICIALS
PRESIDENT JOHN KAVANAGH 40 Beverley Road Barming Maidstone Kent ME16 9JP 01622 726959	SECRETARY PETE HARRIS 91 Ashbourne Road Ealing London W5 3DH 020 8997 7852	TREASURER JAMES LETT 102 Park Road Kingston Surrey KT2 5JZ	CLUB NIGHT First Thursday of each month HERNE HILL STADIUM Burbage Road London SE24 9HE

Imagine over one hundred years ago and you are sitting in the "De Laune Institute For Men" committee meeting. One of the committee says " We have no one running in our open 5 mile cross country race this week". Then another committee member says "We have no one in the boxing team" - the club is doomed.

One member stands up and says "But hey (As Russell Williams would say) we have got these funny people riding what they call cycles and they race all dressed in black. Funny people but let us give them our support.

Now come forward one hundred years and you are at one of our committee meetings. Alan, our time trial sec tells us that we cannot get enough rides for our club events. We are then told that we have only got a couple of guys riding road races - the club is doomed.

One member stood up and said "But hey, we have got these funny people in our club who throw themselves down mountains on bikes (some with no brakes) and try to break there necks, and to make it worse, we have got a lot of them. Let us give them our support."

And indeed we must. It was great to read the results and articles from the lads in last months DLN. The article from Cliff Steele who rode for over 10 hours in a hilly mountain event in Switzerland was great. He was flying down mountains at 50 mph with no brakes. One of the locals said he is mad and he is from the Loon club! Carol, please keep our chef safe for our Belgium night!

Cliff wants to form a team for the national 24-hour time trial championship with Jeremy Briggs next year. This we have got to support.

Another great article from James Lyon who rode with Ross in the 2003 Marin Dusk 'til Dawn MTB Race. I like the names of these events. (What was Cliff's race called? The Grand Raid Cristalp). They rode a 12 hour MTB race in the dark, you must be mad but it must have been great to see over 1000 cyclists riding through the night with little lights bobbing up and down.

You both kept your strength up with 'Caffeinated Energy Gels' Are they legal? Keep to Lyons Individual fruit pies to be safe - Great ride - Well done.

We have now got the hill climb and cyclo-cross season coming up with Matt Goodes and Steve Price with wins already, and to give us icing on the cake, we have our first World Track Champion.

Well done Brian Dacey for your wins in the pursuit and points race at the UCI World Masters Track Championships. It is a pity you will not race our old mate Roly Crayford (also a world champion) on the rollers at the Belgium night. It would have been good to see both of you with your World Championship vests on doing battle. Roly tells me he has got the edge on you in sprints, is that right?

I have just come back from the Catford and the Bec hill climbs, a good day out in the crisp autumn sunshine. We had the old mob out supporting, Mike, Stax, Roy S, Tich, Katie (with little James) Alan and Ben.

The only problem we had is that we did not have three riders to count for the team award in the Catford despite Matt coming second and John O coming ninth, I think - Well-done lads.

In the afternoon we had the Bec hill climb, this time we did get the team award with two to count. Matt who was again second and John O who was eighth (I hope the full results are in this addition) again well done lads and all the best for the National Hill Climb next month.

PS Guess what - little Bert Collins turned up at the clubroom last Thursday, you never see Bert for years and then he just turns up. He is not that small, but he is the only one I know who has a full-length photo in his passport.

"I'LL SAY THIS FOR THAT PRESIDENT OF THE DE LAUNE - HE'S GOT EXQUISITE MANNERS………."

I read your soul-searching piece on diminishing membership a few issues ago and was pleased to see you were being realistic about the reasons for the gradual decline throughout the cycling scene. I also note with interest the recent enthusiasm of your new Triathlon recruits in bringing in new members and publicising their events.

In your editorial of this month you state 'Triathlons. This is a whole new world to me.' And therein lies one of the main problems for cycling clubs...there seems to be an inherent inability to adapt to the developments that are taking place in the cycling world. We have had and lost many members recently whose main interest was Triathlon but would have been willing to adopt track and time trialing into their training thereby benefiting their own bike fitness as well as club representation in these events. But they weren't asked or cajoled into participating and simply drifted away to train on their own or join Triathlon clubs.

Nick Kinsey, twice recently British Mountain Bike Champion in the V40 category, this year alone was 1st V40 to finish in Ironman Lanzarote and Frankfurt as well as a host of other races. Danny Hayes, a recent convert has gone on to represent GB in the world championships in Ibiza and will be doing Ironman Florida in October. John McConville has completed an Ironman most years for the past 6 years and myself, after dipping my toe in the water [literally] with a couple of Ironman events, have gone on to get a GB vest in the recent Duathlon World Championships in Switzerland and will be Representing GB again in the forthcoming Triathlon World Championships in New Zealand.

All of these, and I'm sure there are others too, would have boosted your membership and been keen to participate in other club activities had they stayed. When I managed an athletics team at Blackheath I would recruit most of my members in the winter. People who had joined to get entry into the London Marathon would later find themselves doing the Steeplechase or Putting the Shot in Southern League events in the summer and thoroughly enjoying taking up a new challenge.

So, to end on a positive note...embrace these new members, get them to join in your time trials and track racing and make them feel part of the club... don't let them drift away. One suggestion which would be mutually beneficial [in light of the serious injuries recently inflicted on Nick Kinsey whilst out on the road] would be to have a weekly session for road bikes at the Herne Hill track where members could get in some serious speed work without the risk of being killed. Whenever I've raised this point in the past objections have been made on all sorts of grounds... none of which have ever made logical sense to me. If such sessions were introduced throughout the Winter, I for one would rejoin... and I'm sure others would too.

Apologies for no news for the last two month, (Sorry just too late for last month Ed).

As Kav mentioned in his report we held our track championships in August, with Bec and Addiscombe CC, and unfortunately, it was marred by an accident to Ben Neville in the Five mile race.

Five mile scratch Race abandoned with one lap to go, however, the Committee agreed to award the race to Matt Goodes.

Congratulations to Brian Dacey who added two more World Masters Championship in the 2km pursuit and the 10km points plus a bronze medal in the Sprint.

Looking at the results it was pleasing to see so many Herne Hill riders amongst the winners and it just shows what a strong track league we have.

Track training is taking place on Saturday mornings at 9.30am for novices, and beginners and at 10.45 for all other categories, please come down and give it a try, you can hire track bikes. Next season please join us at Herne Hill on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and rub shoulders with all those World and National champions.

The key holders for our container at Herne Hill are Bill Wright, James Peckham and me.

Finally, we are promoting a track meeting at Herne Hill on Saturday 26 June 2004, as I have been assured by British Cycling that it will not clash with the 24 hour Red Bull Challenge. We will include a round of the National Junior Omnium and the Ken Hill Memorial Scratch Race. Please put the date in your diary and I am looking for sponsors for events, so if you would like an event named after you and can put up some of the prize money please get in touch.

Round 1 of the Mosquito Cycles London Cyclo-Cross League held at Howard School, Rainham and hosted by Victory CC & Team 2000 on September 28.

Seniors
1 Ian Field San Fairy Ann J
2 Matt Holmes Arctic 2000/Shorter Rochford
3 Ben Lockwood GS Invicta
30 Bill Wright De Laune CC (Vet)

Round 2 of the Mosquito Cycles London Cyclo-Cross League held at PORC, Penshurst, Kent and hosted by Addiscombe CC on October 5.

Seniors
1 Matt Holmes Arctic 2000/Shorter Rochford 1.30.00
2 Steven Price De Laune CC
3 James Deare
36 Bill Wright (V) De Laune / Evans (Bill was 8th in VET cat)

The course was very dry and the tight lap saw rider's circulating at regular intervals. Some of the tight turns and descents tested the verve and skills of the riders whilst the sand pit just after the start saw a few hitting the deck (softly - but should all cross races have such a feature?).

Seniors
Matt Holmes (Arctic 2000/Shorter Rochford) led into the sand pit after the start and he had gained a few seconds lead over Steven Price (De Laune CC) whilst the rest scurried through. Holmes and Price spent a number of laps wheel to wheel until Price suffered a mechanical (his cassette clogged up with fauna) and he lost time switching bikes. From then on Holmes maintained his lead as Price tried to make up lost ground.

Round 3 of the Mosquito Cycles London Cyclo-Cross League held at Lydden Motor Racing Circuit, near Dover and hosted by VC Deal on October 12.

A high speed start saw Jody Crawforth (Evans Cycles RT), Ian Field (San Fairy Ann), Brian Curtis (Corridori) and Alex Atkins (Evans Cycles RT) break away on the first lap. Fighting to get back on were Matt Holmes (Arctic RT) and Steven Price (De Laune CC) who worked like Trojans to regain the group.

3rd at race two James Dear (In Gear Racing Team) found himself caught in no man's land between the leads groups. Just a little further back was another group with riders such as veterans Mick Bell (London Fire Brigade), over 50's Carl McDonagh (Brixton Cycles) and the fight for 3rd in the junior race (10 juniors started) by William Thompson (Geoffrey Butler), Rob Whenman (Team Darenth), James Coop (VC Deal) and Nick Stacey (VC Londres).

On lap two Crawforth attacked on the long ascent and he gained a good lead very quickly, quick to respond was Atkins who also gained time over third place and the rest. Crawforth survived a puncture and the subsequent bike change to remain clear whilst behind him the chase was on as Atkins was pulled back. Despite all their efforts the win was Crawforth's.

Top junior Field gained a few lengths to take second followed closely by Holmes, Price, Curtis and Atkins- great stuff boys it was a great sight to see you racing wheel to wheel. Dear took 7th ahead of veteran winner Bell who placed just ahead of Thompson who had got away from Coop and Stacey to take 3rd junior. First over 50 riders McDonagh had a battle keeping Whenman, Coop and Stacey at bay.

1 Jody Crawforth Evans Cycles RT
2 Ian Field San Fairy Ann CC
3 Matt Holmes Arctic RT
4 Steven Price De Laune CC

Round 4 of the Mosquito Cycles London Cyclo-Cross League held at Dears Leap near East Grinstead and hosted by East Grinstead CC on October 19.

Matt Holmes (Arctic/Shorter Rochford), Steven Price (De Laune) and James Dear (In Gear RT) drew away on lap one from a fast moving second group consisting of Jon Sharpe (Boreas), Steve Dennis (East Grinstead CC) and Ben Lockwood (G.S.Invicta).

Another of many good fights had begun just off Nick Welsh's (G.S.Invicta) wheel featuring Finsbury Pk trio James Cocker, John Wood Finsbury Park C.C. and Nat Spurling with London Phoenix interloper Neil Simpson in attendance.

Dear had fallen back as Price and Holmes flew over the tricky terrain; Price chances were blown away by 2 crashes and a second puncture that saw him pull out leaving Holmes to romp to victory. Dear placed a safe second at just over a minute with Jon Sharpe (Boreas) in third.

1 Matt Holmes Arctic/Shorter Rochford 47.05
2 James Dear In Gear R T @1.03
3 Jon Sharpe Boreas @1.55
26 Bill Wright DeLaune C.C. Vet

5th Oct. WIGMORE C C Hollingbourne Hill, Maidstone. 1,400 yards
First R. English Southport CC 3m 12.5s
Second M. Goodes De Laune CC 3m 12.9s
Third T. Kelly Addiscombe CC 3m 13.0s

As usual the Catford Hill Climb and the Bec Hill Climb were on the same day, this year the 19 October 2003. The Catford starts at 11:00 and 32 minutes later Matt Goodes was 2nd to Robert English. Three hours later at Titsey Hill the same thing happened, Matt was second and Robert first - and as the Bec only counted two to a team, Matt & John O' won that too... for the second year running.

Catford Result
1st Robert English Southport CC 1:58.0
2nd Matt Goodes 2:01.4
John O'Brien 2:16.1

Bec Result
1st Robert English Southport CC 1:58.39
2nd Matt Goodes 2:03.68
? John O'Brien 2:16.31

The South London Roller League is made up of 8 events starting on October 15 through to the final on December 3.

Roller racing? - Place bike on rollers and let rip, simple - a road to nowhere, but with plenty of socialising and shouting to go with it.

Race 1 - Wed 15th October - Addiscombe CC Christ Church Methodist Hall (at rear) 114 Lower Addiscombe Road Croydon CR0 6AD - http://members.lycos.co.uk/ccma/index.html Paul Tunnell 020 8654 8901 (07714 339 575 Mobile) (ACCESS FROM 8.30pm)

Race 2 - Thursday 23rd October - Bec CC St. Barnabus Church Hall St. Barnabus Road Sutton - Horace Mouatt 020 8687 1735

Race 3 - Monday 27th October - Redmon CC Hill House Bishopsford Road Carshalton Surrey www.redmoncc.fsnet.co.uk Jon Frost

Race 6 - Friday 21st November - Surrey Roads CC Wiseton Institute 10 Wiseton Road London SW17

Race 7 - Thursday 27th November - South Eastern Road Club Shrublands Community Centre Bridle Road Shirley www.southeasternrc.co.uk Colin Derrick

Race 8 - FINAL Wednesday 3rd December - Addiscombe CC Christ Church Methodist Hall (at rear) 114 Lower Addiscombe Road Croydon www.addiscombe.org Paul Tunnell 020 8654 8901 Mob 07714 339 575

10 Miles     23.31                             23.59                                 26.04
10Miles     23.33                              24.07                                 26.22
25 Miles     1.01.02                         1.02.43                             1.10.27
25 Miles     1.05.45                         1.02.56                             1.37.17

Average speed 19.2597 MPH 22.7358 MPH If any other vet has completed the required number of events please contact me, a.s.a.p. or the above results stand, subject to ratification (Rumour has it Peter Jenn may put in a last minute appearance).

Alan has had a reasonable season, but I know he had hoped for better results. Still well done at least you got two more age records. l0 Miles 23.31. 30 Miles 1.16.18.

Brian Dacey also broke the age 64 record with a time of 23.45 some weeks before Alan updated it. (Peter Gunnell's 24. 15 was the target)

For those of you who bother to read about us old boys, and may have thought that my 2nd '25' time is a misprint, well it's not. Let me explain as it just about sums up my whole season. I started at the end of March (1 event) then a dodgy Indian meal, followed by a bad cold put me out of action with just one event in April. Started again mid May, rode three events, developed pins and needles down the left side of my body. With various diagnoses, "you can race", "no you shouldn't", "yes you can", resulted in three rides in June and two in July. I finally got under way but found all the stopping and starting caused me to lose interest. However, I wanted to complete the Vets Bar as I thought Alan would like someone to beat. (I didn't know about David until last Sunday, 12th Oct.) I decided I would ride the KCA '25' for my last qualifying event (as I live only 5 minutes from the start) and as I had said to several people" all I have to do is finish the event, my time is not to important".

The morning was dry but windy, still I only had to potter round. My pottering pace to the test on the second lap when the wind became stronger, the extra pressure required to maintain a steady plod put my back under stress and the pins and needles returned with a vengeance. Then with three miles to go (I might make evens!!) as I swung round the last roundabout I felt my rear wheel slide, oh no!! I've punctured. "Anyone got a bike" I shouted at the marshals, sod'em there all out in cars. The Thanet RC clubrun meets at a bus shelter 200 to 300 metres from the roundabout, the times right but no bugger's there. Nothing for it but to change the tyre, not that simple, a tri-spoke cannot be pumped up with an ordinary pump, still I have a fail safe method to get me back. Whilst I ride on clinchers I carry a tub which can be inflated with enough air to ride and then rolled onto the wheel. Well, it did work when I tried it at home, 1 ripped the bloody valve off in my panic I forgot I had a second method for inflating an inner tube which 1 also carry. It consists of two valve connectors screwed together then pushed onto the valve (which is inset on the tri-spoke) , then a third offset connector is fitted to the other two and the pump. (Honest, it works, when I got home I put in just under 6 bars with no trouble at all) I have not had a puncture in an event since I've had the tri-spoke, ( in fact I don't think I've punctured in an event since the 70's), no wonder I forgot.

Back to the race, what race!!! I'm now bloody freezing and pissed off; it's not long before the last man is due through. Suddenly, I see a rider approaching and from a distance he doesn't appear to be racing. I know him by sight and also a bit of luck, he is the same height as me, and yes I can borrow his bike. Look pedals, so we're OK, no we're not, can't get my feet in, so it's a flat footed 3 mile headwind ride at approx 15 MPH to the finish. The timekeeper, my good friend Paul Mepham, thinks I have abandoned, so I have to scream at him, "give me a time".

So now you have it, the best excuse I have ever had, and I still got a plus on the Vets standard average speed, which shows how out of date the Vets standards are, although the system itself works.

To claim a record the claimant must beat the Standard/Record of the person who was the same age or the next eldest as shown on the current list, if none, the V.T.T.A. standard must be beaten. Records to be claimed by the 31st October each year.

September 28 - Rd 1, Howard School
October 5 - Rd 2, Penshurst
October 12 - Rd 3, Dover
October 19 - Rd 4, East Grinstead
October 26 - Rd 5, Eastway
November 9 - Rd 6, Eastway
November 16 - Rd 7 - Hillingdon
November 23 - Rd 8, Brighton
November 30- Rd 9, Brighton
December 21 - Rd 10, Hillingdon
December 27 - Rd 11, Footscray
January 4 - Rd 12 - Strood, Kent
January 25- Rd 13, North London
SEE ALL THE RESULTS - www.londonleague.co.uk

Founded 1889