Press Release 20th & 21st April 2013

Last weekend saw an action packed racing programme for members of the Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club as they lined up for the 10 and 25 mile events run on consecutive days by the East Sussex Cycling Association (ESCA).  Ice on car windscreens in the early chill of Saturday morning indicated that it was not going to be a fast day due to the increased air density coupled with cold, not ideal for such an explosive event.

Lewes premier rider Nick Dwyer made his protestations of lack of form seem somewhat hollow by storming round the course to claim the ESCA title in a time of 21:05.  Nick teamed up with Tom Glandfield (who finished fifth in a time of 22:07) and Rob Pelham (22:33) to claim the team prize.  Dominic Lowden is showing good early season form and his time of 23:49 was fast enough to win the 55-59-age group.  Kaye Dwyer was the first Lewes lady past the post in a time of 29:03.

There was little time for recuperation for many of the Lewes riders as they hauled reluctant aching bodies from their beds to compete in the 25-mile event.  The route starts near Maresfield and traces an out and back course turning at the Boship roundabout.  Conditions were good on the day with little wind to disturb the riders, though early starters had to contend with temperatures hovering around freezing point.  Even though large stretches along the A22 have been resurfaced there are still are a number of deep potholes on the course which is a cause for concern.

First past the post in a fast time of 52:30 was In Gear rider Conal Yates, closely followed by Nick Dwyer in a time of 53:50.  The Lewes lads picked up the team prize, with Nick being joined by Pete Morris (55:15) and Tom Glandfield (55:26).  Dominic Lowden repeated his previous day’s triumphs by winning the 55-59 age group award in a fine time of 59:36, with Kaye Dwyer again being the first Lewes Lady home in a time of 1:12:41.

Those of you that have an historic association with the club might be particularly interested to look on the club’s new standalone Archive website at leweswanderers.co.uk/archive.htm and have a trip down memory lane, compiled as a considerable labour of love by club Chairman, Chris Martin.

Next week sees the Wanderers heading out to the fast Broadbridge Heath course to take part in the Addiscombe 25, which has attracted a large quality field of 120 riders.  Expect some fast times to be posted.