Disability Circuit Race Series Round 2

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July 12, 2009; Photos: Graham Robins ()

Round two of this years Disability Circuit Race Series was held on 12th July at the Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire. The long sweeping circuit was perfect for such a race having held a major handcycling event in the past.

After heavy showers in the morning, and a few spills in the 3/4 cat and junior races, the track dried in time for the 1.45pm start. Although the rain stayed away for the duration of the race a stiff breeze which blew up the long home straight proved a challenge for all, even the handcyclists who ride much lower to the ground than conventional cycles.

It was another tight battle at the head of the race, with the tandem pairing of Lora Turnham and Bex Rimmington Below) 4 seconds from making up the 4:50 min and two lap deficit given to the handcycle of Karen Darke (above right). After getting caught just before the line at the first round, Karen showed guts and determination to race on her own and hold on to take victory in the challenging conditions. Dave Sandles was the next handcyclist across the line, followed by Ian Marsden, Ali Corps-Bell (above left) and new handcyclist Terry Dennis.

After the tandem of Lora and Bex, Tim Challinor came in second of the two wheelers after quickly dropping the riders he started with. A new tandem pairing of Jan Newman (VC St Raphael) and Chris Smith (Python RT) showed their strength by finishing 3rd and catching three of the handcycles for over 9 minutes.

New to disability cycling was Michael Renison who showed great strength and finished as the first LC2 despite thinking he had finished one lap earlier and riding the final lap as a warm down lap! Next was Colin Lynch who showed he is getting stronger and stronger each week by coming in 5th. Junior rider Daniel Weston (below), who managed to carry his pilot and father Patrick into 6th position, secured the last of the series points. Credit also goes to Danny Green (bottom picture) for who it was his first competitive race.

The next round of the series is at Fowlmead in Kent on 18 July. With 28 entries the event is particularly well supported and promises to be a cracking weekend with the National Time Trial Championships the following day. Please come and show your support if you are able.

With 30 different riders competing in the first two rounds, the series is proving to be a great success for experienced and novice riders alike. If you would like to enter or if you have any questions about the series, or disability cycling in general, please contact Phil Godfrey on disability@britishcycling.org.uk or 0161 274 2010.

Handcycles
1. Karen Darke (HCB)
2. David Sandles (HCB)
3. Ian Marsden (HCC)
4. Alistair Corps-Bell
5. Terry Dennis

Solos/Tandems/Tricycles
1. Lora Turnham/Bex Rimmington (BVI)
2. Tim Challinor (LC1)
3. Jan Newman/Chris Smith (BVI)
4. Michael Renison (LC2)
5. Colin Lynch (LC2)
6. Daniel Weston/Patrick Weston (LD)
7. Martin Christmas (LC2)
8. Danny Green (LC1)

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