Disability Circuit Race Series

Story posted June 9, 2009

British Cycling's inaugural Disability Circuit Race Series kicked off on Sunday 7th June at Salt Ayre in Lancashire. The event was well supported with 20 entries on a range of bikes with handcycles, regular solo bikes and a tandem all in the one race competing against one another. To make the racing fair between the range of riders, different disabilities and various machines, a factoring system was used whereby riders with more severe impairments were set off first, while those with less severe disabilities were set off later and had to chase. This was compared on the day by the riders to a game of rabbit and hounds.

The handcycles were off first with Karen Darke (HCB) riding strongly and looking like she would not be be caught with a four lap advantage over her male handcycling counterparts. Rob Wickham and David Sandles also started off strongly, working together briefly until Rob powered away and stayed away for the rest of the race in pursuit of the 'rabbit' Karen Darke.

Just over eight minutes later, the first of the two-wheelers set off to chase the handcyclists. Dominic Hurley and Shaun McKeown (CP4) where the first off and worked together to give them an advantage, particularly into the headwind on the home straight. Soon after, the LC1 category riders - Tim Challinor and Tom Bannister were off with Tim making an early break to bridge the gap to the CP4s. Next up was the tandem entry of Sophie Thornhill being piloted by Phil Braybrooke. At just 13, Sophie was the youngest entry and one to watch for the future. Finally were the four LC2 category riders who had the most work to do, having to complete 20 laps in less time than anyone else.

With 20 riders on the track it was clear that Karen Darke, who had looked strong for the whole race, was going to take some stopping. Meanwhile, Tim Challinor had managed to bridge the 1 minute 10 second gap to the CP4 riders and formed a strong partnership with Shaun McKeown lapping at the fastest pace and catching the handcyclists.

On the final lap, it looked as though Karen was going to hold off the competition with nearly half a lap over her nearest competitor Rob Wickham. But she looked tired. In the final metres, Rob managed to use his power and experience to pass her and won by just 4 seconds! Tim had managed to drop Shaun on the last lap and they came in 3rd and 4th respectively. Next were two more handcycles ridden by David Sandles and Andrew Chamings in 5th and 6th position.

With more entries than before in a disability circuit race, the riders relished the opportunity to race in a bunch and battle it out against riders on a range of machines. The events are open to riders with a disability and entries are sought for the remaining 4 rounds in the series.

With the best three results counting towards the series title, it's not too late to be in with a chance of winning. The next round is at Castle Combe and entries close on 28 June. However, closing date for the National Championships (which is also round 3 of the series and has some serious prize money up for grabs) is 19th June. For more information and to enter, please see: further details or email philgodfrey@britishcycling.org.uk

Result:
1.  Rob Wickham   48:10
2.  Karen Darke  48:14 (16 laps)
3.  Tim Challinor  51:48
4.  Shaun McKeown 51:59
5.  David Sandles  52:25
6.  Andrew Chamings 52:29
7.  Mike Bishop  53:24
8.  Tom Bannister  55:54
9.  Marc Poolman  56:05
10. Chris Madden  56:35
11. Martin Christmas 57:00
12. Raymond Dodman 57:03
13. Dominic Hurley  57:05
14. Colin Lynch  58:00
15. Sophie Thornhill  58:32
16. Alistair Corps-Bell 60:14
17. Dean Harris  60:18
18. Terry Byrne  60:23
19. Pete Carruthers  62:23 (15 laps)
20. Bruce Jowett  (DNS)