Three peaks Cyclo-Cross 2005

Sid Starkey, Jon Newey, Gavin Poupart and Chris Smallman proved up to the task in this year's Three-peaks Cyclo Cross in the Yorkshire Dales. All four riders completed the tough route, billed as the World's Toughest Cyclo-Cross, with Gavin posting his best result yet with 23rd place.
Conditions, while kinder than last year, were by no means friendly, recent heavy rain making the going muddier than usual and giving the riders a liberal soaking from regular heavy showers. Sid and Chris started in the first group; Jon and Gavin in the Elite group a little later.
The climb of Ingleborough was as grim as ever with the wet ground making the normally fast descent especially tricky this year. Sid punctured on the road section approaching the second climb of Whernside where Gavin had pushed ahead. Chris was making good progress and crossed the summit with Jon a few minutes back.
As the final climb to Pen-y-Gent approached, the race began to take its toll. Jon's progress slowed as cramp took hold. Gavin forged on giving a cheer as he began his final descent and passing a weary Jon who was a few minutes from the summit.
Unfortunately Gavin took a tumble as he emerged from the stony track onto the final 2 miles of road to the finish line. Quickly picking himself up, he was able get a spare front wheel and continue to cross the line in 3hours and 33 minutes before making tracks to the mountain rescue centre to get a cut leg patched up.
Jon survived the bone jarring descent of Pen-y-gent unscathed this year and finished in 37th place in a time of 3 hours 42 minutes. Chris came in after 4 hours 37 minutes in 174th place, a creditable performance for a first go. Sid had no more mishaps and came in a few minutes quicker than last year, despite his puncture, in a time of 4 hours and 54 minutes for 219th place.
Jon, Sid, Gavin and Chris would like to say a big thank you to Kerry, Rachel, and VC Sevale's Bob Blinston for doing an excellent job in carrying spare wheels, bottles and food and being there when they were needed.

Don Rigby
We are sorry to announce the death of Don Rigby from Motor Neurone Disease. Don Died peacefully in the care home where he had lived during the last days of his life.
Don dominated the Club Time Trials throughout the 1980s. From 1982 to 1988 Don was the BAR champion over 25, 50 and 100 miles consequently holding the championship for more consecutive years than any one in the clubs 117-year history. He was also Veteran champion during the same period over 10, 25 and 50 miles.
Don set new club standards for 50 miles, 1.58.54 in 1983 and 1.56.49 in 1984. He reduced the 100 miles record to 4.9.9 in 1983, and 4.5.57 in 1986 then twice improved in 1987 with 4.4.35 and 4.2.33.
In 1984 while riding the VTTA 100 mile championship Don was timed through the 75-mile mark 7 minutes ahead of the field. With 4 miles to ride Don and about 30 other riders were sent of course by a misplaced marshal effectively costing Don a Championship Jersey.
Don was pragmatic and a valuable source of inspiration to other club riders, always seeing another side to the issue. I was feeling somewhat despondent after beating “the hour” for the first time, as I no longer had a goal; Don commented that it was “only 60 minutes – set yourself a new target”
Success for Don Rigby was based on systematic training and careful preparation, characteristics he used to good effect through out his life.
(Adapted from - Worcester St Johns Cycling Club - A History by Roger Alma)

PAGE FAMILY SUCCESS
Holly Page made a winning start to her cycling career by winning round 1 of Midland MTB series in the under 10 year old category last Sunday. Her older brother Joe was 2nd in the under 12's category, while their Dad, Vince Page, won the fun event.

Holly after her first win / Joe leads the pack at a circuit race

Lyn Dayus
It is my sad task to report the death of Lyn Dayus.
Lyn was a member of the Worcester St Johns CC and the Worcester Tri-Club for a number of years. She was mother to honorary St Johns member Jon Dayus, his sister Helen, and the wife of Alan.
Lyn was a sucessful bike rider and Tri-athlete and recently attained a lifetime ambition of qualifying as a nurse.
She will be missed by all who knew her.

Joe Page wins in Victoria Park
Congratulations to Joe Page on winning the first Victoria Park under 12 race and placing 2nd in the second event. Vince Page finished 8th in the 4th cat 30 lap event while Simon Wilson finished the 3rd cat & junior 30 lap race in the bunch.
In the Birmingham CC 55km crits Simon finished the 3rd cat event in 11th place and Vince was 9th in the 4th cat event.