The end of January saw a number of velo riders preparing for the forthcoming season in a variety of ways.

Matt Nunn raced at the track league at the Lee Valley velodrome, performing strongly across a number of disciplines; the opening 30 lap scratch race saw Matt having to demonstrate his bike handling skills to avoid a crash, however this did not hold him back as he claimed 10th place. Matt performances got better as the evening went on, taking 7th in the tempo race after breaking away for a number of laps. In the devil his performance continued to improve, claiming fifth place, however he saved the best until last with a podium place in the points race, launching a big attack, and then hanging on in the sprints to finish third.

Elsewhere, a group of velo riders took a more old school approach to their season’s preparation by completing the Ian Stone Reliability ride organised by Gravesend CC and CTC. Reliability rides are regarded as a test of a rider winter training (and their winter bike) and the velo riders held up well; Rachel Hartridge, Fraser Blandford and Rob Kennison all opted for 100km route, completing the event in four and a half hours.

Well done to all, and thank to Gravesend CC & CTC for their organisation.