Sturgess Leader, Graham Price. |
The amazing influx of new members in 2012 is making an impact on Calder Clarion with many of the ‘new breed’ embracing the competitive side of club activities despite most of them being new to road riding.
Twenty of the new members have swelled the numbers competing in the time trials and Sturgess Trophy League. Most of them are improving rapidly and as a result, 12 of them hold places in the top 20 of the Sturgess League.
Martin Watson on the Calder Audax test. |
Leading this charge is Graham Watson who has ridden every 10 TT so far this season with his personal best done on a windy 20th June when most other riders were struggling to stay close to their best times. Graham’s ride won him the handicap race for event #7 giving him enough points to overhaul Tom Butler in the lead.
Martin Watson is another strong contender for the League; he’s currently lying 3rd and like Graham is gradually bringing his times down.
Helen Mann who has a background in distance running and so probably starting from a higher fitness base than most, is flying the flag for the women and currently sitting in 8th place just ahead of Michael Oldfield and Lee Fisher. Michael suffered a nose bleed on the 20th June, but tenaciously ignored it and scored valuable points to keep himself in contention for the highest overall places.
Helen Mann above Cannon Hall |
Not all the new members are new to cycling. Nick Firth has rejoined after a number of years with Wakefield CC. Nick, who is arguably the most experienced racing cyclist in the club, rode the Club 10 championship, his first 10 TT for many years. His performance gained him a Gold Standard in Calder’s Club Standard scheme.
Mark Burgess, another cyclist new to Calder Clarion, is an experienced road racer and the proprietor of Wakefield Cycles on Westgate. Mark has ridden many of the time trials, despite it not being his favourite discipline and he currently lies 7th in the Sturgess League.
Another new cyclist in the top 20 of the Sturgess League is perhaps the most talented current Calder member, Jenny Latham. She’s a world class triathlete, her main sport,who despite being in her early 20s has built up an envious palmares. Besides being an outstanding swimmer and athlete, Jenny is a prodigious cyclist and a great asset to Calder Clarion where she does her cycling.
Calder 10 TT Results
Sturgess Trophy League
New members have their eye on Calder Clarion Trophies.