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Winter Series Circuit Racing at Ludgershall

January 22, 2011 | Darren Clarke |

The Ludgershall cycle race circuit is now up and running, since being virtually abandoned by the Army nearly a decade ago. It has been revamped to allow cycle racing with trees having been cut back, tons of moss removed from the track and potholes filled in. The track has also been swept and blown.

To describe the circuit would be a cross between the old Eastway and Eelmore with industrial grunge mixed in. The circuit is 0.8 mile around with two good sweeping corners and a flowing chicane. A tough, fast and safe circuit to get started on and to practice your race craft or a hard fast work out for experienced riders.

The race on the 22nd of January was the third in the series. The first two were run off in a good fashion but were very muddy! The riders looked like they had just finished 250km in the Roubaix velodrome. This weeks races were in the balance early on with a hard frost making the circuit not suited to safe racing.

Fortunately, the frost had all cleared by 10:00 and the circuit was deemed safe by chief commissiare Tim Knight. The delay caused the 3/4/L races to be combined without any discernable change to the result. All riders rode impeccably and in a safe respectful manner, with no crashes or disputes. Perhaps in future, these races could be combined again which would allow for a longer race to take place. All seemed to enjoy the racing especially the sprint finish.
 
If any riders fancy a change of circuit or live close to Ludgershall which is only 10 minutes from Andover and the A303, then email the organiser, come along and try a new and safe circuit. Bring spare wheels should you puncture - you can take laps out! Or, if you have any feedback to the racing on times, venue, race format etc then please email  darrenclarke30@hotmail.com

Latest Results

3rd Cat race
1 Lee Mead VC Meudon
2 Sam Hayes  Bristol RC
3 James Wilson  Banjo Cycles
4 Sebastian Finch  Okehampton CC
5 Mark Hanby  Chippenham Wheelers
6 Daniel Stephens  Sotonia CC
7 Steve Cottingham  Cadence RT
8 Jason Painton Rides on Air
9 Chris Hutchings 
10 Lee King Beeline Cycles RT
11 Eric Wilcock  Behind the Bikeshed

4th Cat race
1 Hugh Knusden Yeovil CC
2 Iain Cade  VC Walcot
3 Roger Kennedy  
4 N Buckinham  Rides on Air
5 Duncan Lancashire Behind the Bikeshed
6 Rob Carter 
7 Morgan Williams New Forest CC
8 Jan Labrooy 
9 Doug Hall TFB
10 Paul Robinson Behind the Bikeshed

Ladies race
1 Tanya Hunt Team Endurance
2 Nicole Walters  Total Fitness Bath

E/1/2
1 Rowan Horner  VC St Raphael
2 Simon Brooks VC St Raphael
3 Mark Ottaway WyndyMilla/ Maxifuel
4 Grant Grant
5 Matt Conner Banjo Cycles
6 Stu Thompson Banjo Cycles
7 David Hooper VC St Raphael
8 Martyn Harris Banjo Cycles