Second claim members Jon Coulson and Ben Wimpory riding for PMR@Toachim House represented Loughborough University at the British Universities and Colleges sports (BUCS) cycling time trials in April. First up was a very tricky and technical 3 up TT. Conditions on the day could only be described as dreadful, heavy rain and blowing winds made it difficult to ride behind one another. Along with Loughborough team mate Chris Bates completed the 31 mile course in 1:14:07 19th on the day and 9th University team. Everyone was pleased to get round safely and a 25.1mph average showed how blustery the wind was.
Next up was the BUCS 10 mile TT. Unfortunately on the way to the start Jon punctured his tubular disk and didn’t have a chance to change his wheel. This disappointment was compounded by being a very fast day. Ben who was off later completed the course in 20.49, 2 seconds away from his PB and 5th on the day, 4 seconds away from 3rd. This didn’t tell the whole story as he was held up by traffic and had to perform a rather interesting overtaking manoeuvre to get round the cars.
The following weekend was the final TT in the championships the BUCS 25 mile TT around 2 loops of a sporting course in Cambridge. The wind was going to be key on the exposed section of the course and then again for the final rolling section. Jon with a repaired tyre flew round the course in 58.28 possibly overcooking the first lap and hanging on in the second but taking off over 5 minutes off his PB! Next up was Ben who rode purely using his SRM, a new ploy which meant a negative split for the 2 circuits and finishing in 56.46. Overall a very successful championships.
Most recently was a trip to the super fast F11/10 course in Aylesbury. They almost didn’t show up because of the strong winds and long journey, but were glad they did. Jon was once again up first and smashed his PB to get a time of 21.08 showing how a great winter has reaped benefits and how quick the course was running despite how windy it was. Ben off later knowing the course was running quickly knew a new PB was possibly on the cards. Hitting 45mph on the downhill section got to the last turn with 2 miles to go at 30.4mph average knowing a 19 was on the cards. The finish line seemed to drag on forever but he crossed the line in a new PB of 19.52, ecstatic but knackered!