Report: West London Interclub 25

The Interclub 25 is primarily a handicap event, but looking at the result it is impossible not to be impressed by the fastest ride of the day which came from Chris Holmes

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Report: West London Interclub 25
from Chris Lovibond (event 20th May)

The Interclub 25 is primarily a handicap event, but looking at the result it is impossible not to be impressed by the fastest ride of the day which came from Chris Holmes (Twickenham CC) who recorded 55 minutes 01 second, giving him a winning margin of 2.24 over his clubmate Mark Coombe who finished in 57.25.

Tim Budd

Chris is in his second season with a TT bike, returning to racing after an earlier career as a roadman when he achieved a second cat. licence. At 42 years of age he has come

back to the sport at roughly the same age as Adam Topham was when he restarted – this performance suggests he could be equally successful.

However, the only award in the event is the Trophy Shield which is won by the best club team on handicap. The Hounslow took this prize for the first time in several years with three promising rides, led by James Cadman’s 1.00.09. James is not a novice time triallist, but he is still on an upward trajectory and surely must soon do a sub-hour ride on this tough roadman’s course.

James Cadman

Tim Budd (1.6.12.) was riding only his second time trial and improved by four minutes over his first effort. As can be seen in the photograph he has not yet made any concessions to aerodynamics and was riding a straightforward road bike, so great things may soon come from this new recruit to the sport.

Les Howson continues to make steady progress and made a useful contribution to the team on this occasion... continued after advert

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We live at a time of ‘elite-isation’ of sport in which almost all media attention is given to those at the very top, and this tends to discourage ordinary mortals from even attempting to compete themselves. The Interclub 25 goes completely against this tendency and so is to be valued and supported. It is an event with a long tradition which goes back to the 1920’s, so it is within sight of its centenary and perhaps it is now time for a review to consider enhancing the event in time for its 100th edition. More clubs might be invited to take part, other courses and better publicity could be considered.

This year’s event was efficiently organised by the Weybridge Wheelers, although sadly they were unable to field any riders. It was run on the West of Windsor course and attracted 34 entries.

Finally, it is hard not to admire the strength of the Twickenham CC which in this essentially low key time trial on a slow course had four riders comfortably under the hour.

Result

Actual Time

Chris Holmes (TCC) 55.01
Mark Coombe (TCC) 57.25
Gareth Williams (TCC) 57.35
Daren Austin (TCC) 58.30
James Cadman (HDW) 1.00.09
John Newell (TCC) 1.00.38.

Handicap Time:
1. James Cadman 48.09 (handicap allowance 12.00 minutes)
2. Mark Coombe 50.25 7.00
3. Tim Budd (HDW) 51.12 15.00
4. Chris Holmes 52.31 2.30
5. Stuart Gilles (TCC) 53.25 7.30
6. Les Howson (HDW) 54.45 16.00

Handicap Team
Hounslow and District Wheelers : Cadman, Budd and Howson.
Twickenham C.C. Coombe, Holmes and Gilles.

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