Bognor cyclists' race is explosive stuff

David Patten of BRCC was waiting to start when his rear tyre literally exploded – making it a disappointing evening for him when he was looking at a high placing.

Alex Napier of Blazing Saddles won by more than a minute. Deb Smith of Southdown Velo narrowly missed breaking the 20-minute barrier when she took the top ladies’ place.

New to the series was Adam Littlechild, riding for Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club, who produced an excellent time to take second place.

The top ten is becoming an increasingly eclectic mix of teams with Shaun Smart heading up SDV and Aaron Smith leading the BRCC charge.

The Bognor club ran the Dennis Doughty Memorial 25m time trial on Sunday.

Some 41 riders contested the race with Alex Napier the clear winner. He beat his team-mate Andy Langdown by more than a minute.

Elise Sherwell, also of Blazing Saddles, was the ladies’ winner by almost five minutes and took seventh overall while Aaron Smith of BRCC was eighth overall and fastest junior.

This event marks the death of Dennis Doughty while participating in a club time trial and the club raises funds through the entry fee in order to make a donation to the Rocking Horse charity for sick children in Sussex. This year the club raised more than £200.

Meanwhile, the club’s first event on a new course based around Fontwell and Arundel saw Hamish Walker of Blazing Saddles the outright winner, setting a course benchmark set to be challenged as the season progresses.

Second place was shared by Jason Burkinshaw, also of Blazing Saddles, and Aaron Smith of BRCC.

It was an exceptional performance by Smith, still technically a junior. This was his highest overall placing in a club event and augurs well for the rest of the season. A rolling course with a short, sharp climb out of Arundel played to his strengths.

Elise Sherwell led the ladies home but missed the top ten by one second.

RICHARD MILES

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