Merthyr CC Criterium Parc Bryn Bach
12th May- Race Report
On a wet, blustery day 26 riders braved the challenging 3km Bryn Bach circuit. With the weather and the hills, the race rapidly split into four groups.
The lead group of riders initially contained eight riders but the tough conditions whittled numbers down to three at the finish with Darran Carpenter sprinting up the hill to take both the two primes and the overall win. He was closely followed by Daren Williams (Gateway RC) who finished second, and first vet. Paul Thomas (Bynea CC) rounded off the top three.
Despite mud, driving rain and gusty winds the vast majority of riders finished in small groups within ten minutes of the leaders.
Thanks to the stalwart Merthyr CC helpers, running their first road event, and John Richards and members of Abertillery Wheelers for their help.
Prizes were provided by Taff Vale Cycles and the Prince of Wales pub, Princetown, to which the bedraggled marshals retired post-race.
Note: A red/yellow rain jacket was left in Matt Hargreave'c car. If the owner would like to retrieve it please call Matt on 01443 231987
| 1. Darran Carpenter | Cwmcarn Paragon (1hr 10mins) |
| 2. Daren Williams | Gateway RT (1st Vet) |
| 3. Paul Thomas | Bynea CC |
| 4. David Povall | Lifeforce Creation HB |
| 5. Eifion Weinzweig | Lifeforce Creation HB |
| 6. Gareth Jenkins | Cwmcarn Paragon |
| 7. Mark Rossin | Team Quest |
| 8. Tim Hutchinson | Gateway RT |
| 9. Richard Raymond | M&D Cycles |
| 10. Craig Jones | Bynea CC |
| 11. Peter Phillips | Comedy Super Team |
| 12. John Williams | Lifeforce Creation HB |
| 13. Caroline Gay | Forza Cycles (1st Woman) |
| 14. Michael O'Neill | Cwmcarn Paragon |
| 15. Neil White | Bristol RC |
| 16. Paul Greer | Merthyr CC (+ 1 lap) |
| 17. Sean Morgan | Merthyr CC |
| 18. John Rushton | Cardiff Ajax |
| 19. Chris Morris | Private Member |
| 20. Mark Latewood | Abertillery Wheelers |
| 21. Donald Gray | Cardiff JIF |
| 22. Chris Lee | Merthyr CC |
| 23. Mark Andrews | Merthyr CC |
| 24. Richard Forrest | CC Cardiff (1st Junior) |
| 25. Michael Roach | Gateway RT |
| 26. Dennis White | Bristol RC |
| DNF Jonathan Harris | Port Talbot Wheelers CC |
Riders from the promoting club were out in force (right)
Just outside the points, Peter Phillips of Comedy Super Team
Looks of grit and determination. well, grit from the road, anyway.
First woman, Caroline Gay, leads Neil White into the headwind