“Carbon Chris” Womack’s quest for speed

Chris Womack of Velo Club Baracchi continued his quest for speed with a very respectable time in the VC Norwich 25-mile time trial on the A11 road.

His time of 1-05:23 was nothing like his recent personal best but reflected the more difficult conditions in the Wymondham area on Sunday.

Womack said, “Conditions for first three miles were with the wind, then after reaching the first turn you had a stiff head wind which made the outward leg quite tough and pushy, but once at the final turn the return leg was fast with the tail wind.”

Other VCB times were John Dupen 1-10:25 and Jenny Anderson 1-13:29. Dupen had chosen to ride on a road bike.

John Thompson also rode but punctured and Mark Newnham did not finish, though a seasoned observer said of him, “He was remarkably fast round the tight roundabout – one of the quickest it seemed to me.”

Thompson said, “Aside from the usual fast men there were some surprisingly slow times. From what I experienced of the headwind in the south-westerly direction before puncturing I’m not surprised.”

Liam Gentry, riding for Strada Sport, was the runner up with 53:46 to the winner Peter Balls of West Suffolk Wheelers, who was just a little quicker with 53:29.

Third was Glenn Taylor of Shorter Rochford Exclusive Ranges RT with 55:33.  Nick Esser of Strada Sport was some way down the order with 1-02:10 with back trouble.

Neil Turner of Gt Yarmouth CC was tenth with 57:21. The fastest lady was Laura Gambling of CC Breckland with 1-03:15.

Advance registration for the Beccles Cycle for Life charity ride on May 13 closes on May 5 and is cheaper than entry on the day.

There has been a good response so far from a wide range of riders including solo riders, family groups including youngsters and teams.  All have selected a distance from the wide range on offer – 7, 15, 25, 40 and 50 miles.

VC Baracchi supports this Rotary Club of Beccles promotion but it is not necessary to be a club rider to enjoy this event and regular cycling enthusiasts only form a modest proportion of those who take part.

Details are on www.becclescycleforlife.org and entry forms are downloadable.