Veteran time-triallists, John Savage, Richard Bielby and Jim Trevor all completed in the inaugural Bolsover and District Cycling Club Open 10 mile time trial on the O10/1 on Saturday 22 March, 2014.

The course covers the single carriageway A614 along the old coal mining districts of Hatfield Woodhouse to Blaxton and return. The conditions were harsh as it was windy and cold with rain showers throughout the event.

The event saw the biggest entry ever to ride the single carriageway course with140 entries. An amazing 126 actually starting in the typical March conditions. This just goes to show that it is not only the V718 or busy dual carriageway that can attract big fields. The course in in Yorkshire but is registered in North Midlands District by the RTTC/CTT.

Fastest of the three old timers was Jim Trevor who has renamed himself ‘The Hellenic Hawk’ since his move to Greece. Jim posted a time of 24:07 to take 26^th place from the 126 starters. After the event Jim stated that the target was to finish in the top quarter of the field, so in his own words, JD – job done.

Richard Bielby, who has only recently turned a veteran, recorded 26:01 to take 57^th place. This was a solid performance by Richard who has returned to competitive racing after a three year break. This gave Richard a finish in the top half of the field. Richard, being off number 12 was able to give his team mate Jim some valuable pointers to conditions on the course as Jim’s start time was two hours later than Richard’s. This type of team spirit just goes to show the strength within the Hull Thursday Vets TT team. In saying this it should be remembered that both Richard and Jim have competed together in RTTC / CTT events in the 80s, 90s, 00s and 10s!

Giving a valuable input to the team was John Savage clocking a respectable 27:15 to take 83^rd spot. John, like Jim had a later start time and suffered wetter conditions than many of the earlier starters. During a post race chat John explained, whilst warming his chilled hands on a post event warm mug of tea, that he was satisfied with the ride explaining that such wet and windy conditions are not his favourite.

Victory went to Simon Beldon of Team Swift with 21:01 which was close to a minute quicker than second placed Goole based rider Robbie Krysman also of Team Swift. Only three riders went under 22 minutes and only nine managed under 23 minutes such was the difficulty of the conditions.

The three Thursday veterans who braved the late winter conditions posted a team time of 1:17:23 which was worth 10^th place in the team competition. A move forwards as the club did not manage to enter a team into any open time trial during the whole of 2013. Hopefully we will see more team placings in open TT events though the season.

Download the DCC_Hatfield 10 Provisional Results (PDF)

Jim Trevor
Hull Thursday Road Club