Image Credits: John Pick (Pictures of riders) & Ben Ansell (Podium Pictures)
The weather was nearly perfect for the 25-mile TT. Although whilst on course the winds picked up making the return leg hard work for the riders. Firstly, you can see the full results here – https://resultsheet.app/rsd/1715810152098×681173334813573100
A big thank you to our timekeeper team on the day of Tom Kelly, Dan Newman, Ros Spencer and Marcia Rendell. Our marshall today were, Paul Brown, Nigel Rendell on Holes bay. At Bakers Arms, Caitriona Deely, Alasdair Hitchin, Zena Dighton and Colin Crossthwaite. At Holton Heath, Jason Falconer and point the riders to the finish, Tom Sparrow 🙌
The Open TT category was a close battle between Sam Wadsley and Tom Clements. By the end, 37 seconds separated the two riders, with Sam Wadsley triumphant with a winning time of 50:22. to Tom’s 50:59. Tom’s time was however, enough to secure the quickest Vet on the day. Third overall on the TT bikes was Mark Valentine at 54:44.
Tom Clements, 2nd overall and 1st Vet
Sam Wadsley, open TT winner
On the Ladies’ TT bike competition, now fully recovered from her London Marathon exploits, Lauren Falconer took the quickest time with a 01:02:56. Sian McPherson took second overall with a 1:07:16. Third was Emily Canty, using the event as a warm-up for her upcoming ironman set her first 25 mile TT time with a 01:16:11.
Emily Canty, 3rd place lady
Sian McPherson, 2nd lady
Lauren Falconer, 1st Lady on TT
In the Ladies’ Road bike Category, Sien Van Der Plank continued her impressive times in the local opens winning the category with a 01:04:09.
In the Open Road Bike Category, Brett Wheeler stormed home to victory. The previous Course Best on a Road Bike was 54:25 but even with a challenging head wind Brett set a new Road Bike course record of 53:30.
Congratulations to Mary Corbett and Norman Harvey. With a combined age of over a 150, on their incredible Tandem build they stormed the course in a 01:17:11. Chapeaux!
The winner of the quickest Vet Age-Adjusted time was also Tom Clements. Second was Adrian Talley with his time of 55:21 (age-adjusted to 53:28)
We had two juniors take to the start line for their first ever 25 mile TTs. Both of Poole Wheelers, Peter Sparrow and Robbie Fall set super quick times on their first outings. Breaking the hour on his first attempt Peter was the quickest Junior on the day with a time of 59:41 ahead of Robbie who set a 01:01:31.
Peter Sparrow, Junior winner
Robbie Fall, 2nd place Junior
Here is what some of the riders said following the race:
Sam Wadsley, Open TT winner:
“Super happy to defend my South District 25m TT title. Conditions were tough with a headwind up the drag towards Upton each lap and it never feels like you get much assistance on the return leg. Pleased with my ride, albeit a little ambitious with my pacing strategy. Cherry on the cake was picking up the team award with the mighty Poole Wheelers.
All eyes are now focused towards the National 50 which use some of the same roads raced today!”
Lauren Falconer, Ladies TT winner:
“I’m really happy with my performance today. This was only 13 seconds slower than my PB which I recorded in 2019 – then with the pandemic and everything I didn’t race again till last year. I’m really pleased to have found my TT legs to be working, as I’ve only been back on the bike two weeks after running the London Marathon last month (in a respectable time of 04:04:52)!
I’m raising money for my charity, The Children’s Society, and have challenged myself to a Year of Endurance. The marathon was the start, and the TT season will see me attempting the BBAR – or at least the short BAR, I’m going to see what feels realistic after doing a few more races and go from there, 100 will still be the biggest race I’ve ever done!”
Brett Wheeler, Road Bike winner:
“What a day for the 25 mile south district TT run by the amazing Poole Wheelers.
Taking 1st place in the road bike Category and 3rd overall against some of the fastest guys in the south on TT bikes and getting a new course record for a road bike topped off a great day. Tricky conditions with the wind and a course that massively favors a TT bike. All I could do was push on and stick to my plan. Maybe it’s time to look into a TT bike with so many great events locally.
And to top it off Poole Wheelers won team of the day with Sam winning, Tom Clement’s 2nd and me 3rd bringing it home for a Poole Wheelers podium sweep”
