August 1999

National Junior ‘25’

Congratulations to Mike Garner, Chris Byrne and Dave Lethbridge, who combined to take the overall team prize in the recent National Junior ‘25’ Time Trial. Chris was the fastest of the trio, posting a time of 57-21, while Mike came home in 57-37, and Dave did 1-1-38. Steve Cummings was due to ride, but was called up to the national squad for the Junior World Championships in Greece. A report on Steve’s progress there will appear next month.

Important Notice

A new supply of club jerseys has arrived at The Bike Factory. Dave Quinn is marking it by hosting another evening for club members at The Bike Factory on Thursday 19th August, starting at 7:30pm.

• Bibshorts, S/S and L/S Jerseys and Skinsuits

Last Chance - on the night offer:

• Skinsuits £25 when traded for your old s/suit
• Jerseys £10 when traded for your old jersey

• 25% off any Cateye lighting
• Vouchers for goods given out
• New Enervit energy drinks
• Preview of Year 2000 products
• See the new range of Polar HRM - demo units should be available

National Track Championships

The North End was well represented at the recent track nationals, held in Manchester. In the Juniors’ section, Mike Garner and Chris Byrne both featured, Mike taking 6th place in the 30km points race and 11th in the 3000m pursuit, whilst Chris was 11th and 15th in those events. In the Girls’ section, Chris’ sister Nicky flew the flag in the sprint, 15km points race and 500m time trial, where she came 6th with a time of 44.172s. For the Vets, Clive Walmsley was swept up by the Ian Hallam Express in the 15km scratch and 2000m pursuit competitions - which also featured Dave Parry - Clive placing 5th and Dave 7th in the pursuit, Clive came 7th in the sprint competition, while Geoff Brandt came 5th in the points race. All in all, a creditable performance from the only Wirral club represented at the championships.

And as a follow-up, I've been asked to bring to members’ attention the UCI World Masters Track Championships, again being held at the Manchester Velodrome from the 21st to 26th of September. Our own Clive Walmsley is a past medal-winner in these championships, and good sessions of racing are expected. And, at the risk of getting on a soapbox, more spectators at velodrome events are needed if it is to survive past the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

North-West Track Championships

"The Kirby Track League recently completed the North West Track Championships, run over 3 weeks in July, with some success for BNECC riders. Mike Garner took the Junior title, Geoff Brandt took the Veterans title over Dave Cockram & Pete Matthews, David Berry took 2nd place in the Juveniles and Nicky Byrne got 3rd in the Ladies against stiff opposition. James Hartley acquitted himself valiantly against a wide age disadvantage in the Juvenile competition - one to watch for the future".

Geoff Brandt

Road Racing Update

First of all, congratulations to our Road Racing secretary Jeff Vernon, who, as you will see below, is now a fully-fledged first-category roadman. He sends us this report:

"Secured my 1st Cat licence in June, after a run of 15 placings from 17 events. Kept going in July but took it easy, even allowed myself a weekend off after deciding to leave the Shropshire 100 for another year (actually it was after doing my first club 25, and realising that four of those would not be pleasant).

Tour of Snowdonia: missed the early break but managed to pull a few riders back on the hills. Had a near miss when a mattress threw itself off the back of a pick-up truck directly into my path, and although the thought of a lie down was quite appealing, I kept going and secured 8th overall.

St Helens Summer RR: went from the gun with a group of 10 riders and quickly built a lead of 50 secs which we maintained much to the disbelief of the several elite riders (including Dave Williams - Adidas) who were all watching each other, finished 6th.

Derek Devenport: used the prime on the first lap to jump clear with 6 riders, and stayed away for the rest of the event, but could only manage 4th in the sprint (exactly the same result as last year). I desperately need to improve my sprinting: any training tips?

JF Parkinson: which Steve Cummings entered on the line and promptly secured 60 shadows who were intent on chasing down his every move. After 15 miles, a group of 4 riders profited from one of Steve’s attacks and jumped clear. After a further 5 miles we both jumped and bridged the gap to the leading group. Unfortunately the main field decided to work with each other and brought us back at the 40 mile point. Which was followed immediately by the decisive break, which I missed (I'm getting to old for this) but not the irrepressible Mr Cummings, who then wisely conserved his energy for the final sprint leaving his pursuers once again chasing shadows. I trailed in 13th."

Jeff Vernon

For Sale

For sale:- Giro Alturus RL / Rocloc helmet (large) turquoise & blue - very snazzy - unused prize worth £50 will take £20 ONO - tel. Geoff Brandt on 652 0217 (or email him on m00m6i00@mcmail.com)

S.O.S.

We have to do drinks and sponges for the Association ‘12’ on Sunday 22nd August. Our listed marshals (Ron Birkett, Keith Boardman, Geoff Brandt, Barry Bucknell and Derick Cronin) will no doubt need some help. So, if there are any younger legs out there, please contact Jack McAllister (334-8813) who will give you directions (the original location has changed due to roadworks). Departure will be from the Eureka at 8:15 on the day, riding out to the drinks point (Jack will take your running shoes!).

Brief Encounter

Clive Walmsley reports that, during a trip to a rally in London, he and a group of North Enders were hailed by our most notable honorary member, Phil Liggett, who was wearing a BNE jersey to boot! Now if only we could get him to wear it during Tour coverage…!

Club Time Trials

The club time trial season has now finished, with the final races being fought out during July. The ‘25’ on the 6th of July saw Jeff Vernon emerge victorious, while the ‘10’ on the 20th was won by John Moore. I haven’t seen an official results sheet yet for the last one on the 27th, so that may have to remain a mystery!

The Podium – 6th July

Handicap

The Podium – 20th July

Handicap

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