Two Medway Velo riders were in action in the latest round of the South East Road Racing League held at the Gravesend cyclopark on Saturday.

First up for the velo was Matt Nunn in the 4th category race; a fast start on the tight corners of the course meant that all the riders were in for a hard race. A group of fifteen riders broke away on the third lap, and although Nunn was caught on the wrong side of the initial split he stayed at the front and as the peloton disintegrated, he found himself in the main chase group picking up those who could not manage the pace in the breakaway. Nunn took a solid 22nd out of a field of 60.

Seasoned road racer Jon Graciano represented the velo in the 3rd category event, and facing a similarly high paced race he held his own taking 31st place from a field of 60 riders.

Five Velos travelled to Winchester on Sunday 23 May to take part in Battle In The Bowl – an endurance cyclocross race.

First up was Sally Smith in the open race. Despite two epic downpours during her 6 laps, taking 1hr 53mins, she managed 4th in her category.

Next up were Rob Kennison, Rob Sapp, Michael Stanley and Dan Berkhauer in the elite field.

Dan was racing the seniors, Rob S and Michael in the vet 40s and Rob Kennison inthe Vet 50s.

Rob got off to a good start holding 5th place for the first half of the race before losing a few places to come 8th.

Michael had a poor start dropping his chain and by the time he was underway the field had ridden Way from him. Despite this he plugged away before eventually finding Rob S in the pack. The two rode well together until Michael just had the better of Rob with the finishing 44th and 47th. Rob Sapp rode well throughout lapping consistent times over the 2hr event.

Dan looked good for his first lap but trouble found him when he got caught up in a crash. He tried to walk it off and completed a third lap before succumbing to injury and retiring. A value to effort nonetheless.

Overall a great day and a huge thank you to the organisers.

Matt Nunn was the sixth to rep the red-headed, white and green this time in the Cranbrook Sprint Triathlon. The event was one of the first Triathlons in Kent since restrictions were lifted, and our sockless rider Matt put on a good show for the Velo.

Recent good showings in the early-season Time Trials boded well for Matt, despite the unknown form for everyone at the moment.

After a 300m pool swim, Matt was quickly onto the bike for the 21km bike section on the rolling Weald terrain. Then it was into the running shoes for a 4.7km run through the hilly woodland outside Cranbrook. Matt found the good running legs and managed to keep most of his advantage from the first two disciplines. He finished 2nd place overall in a time of 1hr 3mins 8secs just behind Hamadel Ndiaye of 7Oaks Tri Club and in front of some athletes qualified for the GB Age Group squad.

Thanks to Velocity Events for putting on a great event

Over 40 riders gathered for the annual Medway Velo 10 mile Time Trial in Chilham on Saturday 14 May.

Despite the very wet conditions riders gathered on the start line with a smile before navigating the course.

Winning the competition outright was Chris Fennell of the Independent Pedaler in 20.07. The TT specialist would have undoubtedly broken the 20 minute barrier had he not stopped for a dropped chain.

The second step on the podium was filled by his brother Nic Fennell of Thanet RC in 20.59.

The ladies competition winner, Alex Clay of The Independent Pedaler also took third in the overall event with a 22.05.

Second lady went to Rebecca Wilson of Rye and District Wheelers in 26.16 followed by Susan Wallbrook of Thanet RC in 27.32.

Road bike winners were Neil Harrigan, Gemini BC and Nicky Spensley, Kent Velo Girls.

Had they not been set off at very different times you’d been forgiven for thinking the velo team had raced round the course together as their times were so close. Club bragging rights went to Michael Stanley in 26.25, followed by Alex Cook in 26.35 then Tom Kennison in 27.16. Unfortunately Lee Kingston was forced to retire mid race.

The event was organised by Phil Booth who sent his thanks to the riders and volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly.

Thanks to Mike Savage Photography for the images. Please check out the event gallery to purchase your photo.

https://www.mikesavagephotography.co.uk/event-galleries/2021-events-121/2122-005/

Despite being up at the crack of dawn to marshall the 10 Matt Nunn headed to Cyclopark on Saturday afternoon for the SERRL.

Racing in the 4th Cat event with 30 riders Matt shook off the demons of the past where he has struggled with the course and rode a very strong race. The field split and he ensured he was on the right side of the split.

As the pace ramped up he kept his cool and sprinted in to 11th place.

He then stayed to watch clubmate Jon Graciano in the 3rd cats. This was another quick race and Jon stayed in contention throughout.

As it came to the sprint he claimed 12th overall.

On Sunday an intrepid team of four Velos headed to Essex to race in the British Masters’ Cycle Racing events on the new Northern Gateway circuit at Colchester.

Covid regulations dictated that race format was two 30 minute races, rather than just one longer race.

Race 1 was contested during a heavy storm and right from the off the Velo team got stuck in to try and force a break with at least one of them within it, it took about 10 minutes for this when Rob Kennison jumped across to two attackers and they proceeded to work together to establish a lead, whilst Andy Hawes, Jonny Graciano and Steve Smith did their best to deter any chasers.

The lead group stayed together until the final when Rob used his experience to unleash his sprint early ensuring he entered the short finish straight with a convincing lead, Andy came in at the front of the chase group to claim a well deserved 6th place.

After a 45 minute break the team were back on the grid for race 2, this time Andy attacked from the front the moment the flag dropped for the rolling start, with the rest of the team sitting at the front of the peloton his lead grew to 10 seconds but after 5 laps of freedom the attacks from the bunch became too much for him to resist and Rob tracked another rider across the gap, although the trio got working together small groups gradually crossed the gap until there were 10 leaders with all the Velos except Steve who was patrolling the remainder of the bunch.

From the lead group a sprint finish seemed inevitable, however with just half a mile remaining Marco Coppola (ColourTech) jumped clear with Andy who just didn’t quite have the legs to get past at the line, Rob again showed he had learned how to ride this particular sprint with another long one to finish third just a second behind.

The riders of the velo were making up for lost time with an epic weekend of racing on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May.

First up and getting the worst of conditions was Jon Graciano who took on a wet and windy SERRL race at Ardingly.

Despite claiming he “ran out if puff” on the last lap he finished strongly taking 6th place – winning a tube of Belgian toothpaste for his efforts!

Next up were Steve Smith and Rob Kennison who were doing battle in the vets league at Herne Hill Velodrome.

Despite both being a little ring rusty both put on a good show with Steve racing in the Bs and Rob the As.

Rob placed 3rd in the elimination race and won the 8 block handicap after a huge sprint and some chewing of the stem. In the final points race he took 3rd. He now is sitting 2nd in the league overall.

Steve raced strongly in all his events finishing 3rd in the scratch race.

On Sunday Rob headed for the British Masters Cycle Racing at Colchester Gateway circuit. He was competing in two 30 minute races (Covid regs).

It’s a new circuit flat with sweeping bends and windy.

Race one was fast and a couple of riders broke away with a couple of laps to go. Rob worked hard to hold a position at front for sprint. He placed 3rd, winning his age category.

Race two strung out more as the wind was stronger. Race one winner, Marco Coppola attacked with a lap and a half to go and again Rob had to work hard to get to the front for sprint. He was 2nd into final corner and just caught the winner at line with three riders within a wheel length and Rob placing 3rd again. He also won his category for a second time.

The velo had to contend with a stiff head wind on the return leg of the course but powered through to finish in 24:05.

A big thank you to the Wigmore and WKRC.

Two Medway Velo members opened their racing season on Sunday.

A chilly start greeted riders in Chilham for the KCA 25 Time Trial on Sunday, 18 April. 
Road works resulted in the course being shortened to a 10 mile event but thankfully Time Trial secretary Phil Booth recently had a 10 course sanctioned in the area meaning everyone still got to race a standard distance albeit a somewhat ‘sporting’ one.
Representing the club was Matt Nunn. He rode well finishing in 26.03.

The event was won by Chris Fennell in 19.35 with Pip Jenkins winning the women’s event in 25.27.

A big thank you to the KCA and all the marshals and helpers.

Jon Graciano also opened his road racing season at the SERRL circuit event at the Ardingly showground; riding in the third category race alongside 2nd claim member Nathan Delaney and Cameron Carthew, Jon took 20th place overall.

Tom Knight got the season off to a fine start for the Medway Velo at the Devon Duathlon on Sunday 11 April.

He opted for the standard distance which involved a 10km run, 44km bike, and a final 5km run. In a busy field of 115 racers started in time trial format with 2 minute intervals between waves, he did well just to keep focused in chilly conditions of 2 degrees. It was not long before he was off to a flying start over the rolling course.

The largely off-road run through woodlands around Bicton Park was dry so he opted for his faster road shoes allowing him to keep to a good pace. Before he knew it the 10km was done and he transitioned onto the bike leg.

With 600m of climbing over two laps he kept momentum going before heading out onto his final 5km. Despite the well know Duathlon jelly legs he kept good form and finished in 2hrs 34mins 45secs.

This was good enough for 15th place overall and 2nd in the mens vets age group.

Congratulations Tom – first Velo podium of the season.

Two members braved the rain for the third round of the East Kent Cyclocross League at Betteshanger Country Park on Sunday, 12 December.

Michael Stanley and Matt Nunn were representing the red, white and green in the V40s and senior event. It was true cross conditions with rain making it tough going and staying upright was at the forefront of the riders minds.

First up was Michael, the only rider in the field sporting a mountain bike, maybe not such a disadvantage in the conditions. The course was well ridden in by the previous races and included, hurdles, steps and a few slippery climbs. Mike was gridded right at the back of the pack so had his work cut out. In his rush to make up a few places he took a spectacular tumble within the opening moments. Undeterred by this he hopped back on and despite a few more offs took it on the chin and carried on finishing in 25th.

Next up was Matt in the seniors. More rain had made the course a little more challenging and despite the technical conditions he stayed upright and navigated the course well. It was Matts first cross race having only ventured into off road pursuits this year and he was content with a 14th place finish.

Well done and thank you to the EKCX team who have beaten the odds to provide covid safe racing in what has been a difficult year. Their efforts have allowed many people to continue to have some racing to look forward to giving a glimmer of light to what has been a challenging 2020 for many.

Two Medway Velos were in action at the Fast and Furious duathlon run by Bridge Events and held at Cyclopark, Gravesend on Sunday 18 October. 
Michael Stanley and Sally Smith both lined up at 8.30am for their time trial start which saw them running 5.25km, cycling 20km then running a final 3km. The conditions were good with a light breeze making for some fast times.
On the run Sally edged ahead completing the distance in 24mins but Michael’s decision to cycle in trainers saw him making the time back in transition alone. By the end of the bike he was nearly 2 mins ahead of his teammate. Sally snatched a few seconds back on the final run but was not enough to jump ahead of her teammate.
Michael finished in 1hr 15mins 56secs 31st overall and 9th Vet 40+. Sally completed in 1hr 17mins 49secs 3rd woman overall and winning her age group vet 40+. A total of 73 athletes finished.
Another covid safe event very well organised by Bridge Triathlon.

Three members were racing for the Medway Velo on Sunday 11 October 2020.
First up was multi-sporter Tom Knight who competed in the Tavistock Sprint Triathlon. The event consisted of a 400m swim, 18km bike and a 5km run.
The morning was damp, but as it started with the swim that didn’t affect Tom too much! After the swim the bike course took him around the edge of Dartmoor and up a 10km climb with a technical descent back into Tavistock. Then Tom took on the 5km run which, after a sharp climb, was an undulating out and back.
The velo did well across all disciplines finishing in 1hr 7mins earning himself 7th place overall and 2nd place Vet 40 in a field of over 100 competitors.
Back in Kent pals Rob Kennison and Sally Smith travelled to the Astor School in Dover for the 2nd round of the East Kent Cyclocross League.
The course took on several power zapping climbs with twisting off-camber technical descents and the famous East Kent 40cm hurdles.
As Rob has missed the first round he was gridded at the back of the pack in the men’s vet 50+ race. To cheers of “Good skills old boy!” he gradually overtook his competitors to finish in the top 10. Not a bad result as over 40 riders were forward.
Sally had a nervous start in a busy women’s race with over 20 competitors entered. Not quite getting to grips with the off-camber descents she worked hard on the punchy climbs and hurdles in a bid to hold position and not lose too many places. After a tough race she was content with a mid-field finish.

As last week the East Kent League was run professionally but that did not detract from the friendly atmosphere. The organisers did well to ensure a covid-safe event with a one-way system, masks on all spectators and hand gel a-plenty. Clearly a bunch of people giving up their time for the love of the sport and making a lot of people very happy! Well done EKCX