Sport

Time trial around the lake

THE countdown is underway… “30 seconds” and in the tranquillity of the moment I take a few deep breaths. With ten seconds to go I focus on the road ahead and prepare myself mentally for the start. All other noise is blocked until I hear “5,4,3,2,1, go” and then I set off with as much energy as I can on the time trial around Chew Valley Lake.

These weekly time trials, organised by Bristol South Cycling Club, during the summer months, are a popular test for riders. The format is simple – the fastest time wins. With riders starting in one-minute intervals, it is also the perfect competitive race to comply with social distancing!

The first few minutes are hard. Trying to build up pace as quickly as possible is pushing my heart rate and breathing to the maximum and there is a moment when I wonder if I can maintain it for the next eight miles.

This is where psychology plays just as an important role as physiology. Olympian Chris Boardman once described the art of time trialling as: "You have three questions going through your mind: How far to go? How hard am I trying? Is the pace sustainable for that distance? If the answer is ‘yes’, that means you’re not trying hard enough. If it’s ‘no’, it’s too late to do anything about it. You’re looking for the answer ‘maybe’.”

Time trials are also a battle against air resistance – with the rider’s body accountable for most of the drag produced. So, for the time trial I’ve attached aero-bars to my handlebars, bringing my arms and elbows in and dropping my body shape. Of all the things you can do, this is the most effective and cheapest investment to improve aero-efficiency on a bike.

Reaching the small hill climb out of Chew Stoke the inevitable happens – a younger rider who set off one minute after me, passes by. To be honest, I was slightly surprised it took that long compared to previous times and looking at my Garmin I can see I’m ahead of my usual time at this point by 15 seconds. In my race against myself things are going well so far.

Cycling time trials events in the UK carry a weight of history and tradition. The format began as a response to a ban on bunched racing on the open road, put in place by the National Cyclists' Union in 1890. It's believed the first time trial was held in October 1895.

Secret events were held on courses known only by a code – the code system is still in use today – and riders would set off at minute intervals, from dawn, wearing black from head to toe. To the observer, it would seem as though they were out cycling as normal rather than racing. The rider with the

CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE

fastest time over the course would be declared the winner.

Racing on towards West Harptree I keep my body low to overcome the wind blowing across the lake, and another rider passes but I’m still ahead on my own personal timings. From here on its time to give absolutely everything on the fast section towards Bishop Sutton. The straight sections minimise body movement and help me maintain a high pace.

Approaching the finish, I push and push harder. Although I have a race number on my back, I shout it out to the timekeeper as I cross the line – a tradition dating back to those early secret events.

For members of Bristol South Cycling Club, points are awarded for finishing positions after allowing for a time handicap (based on previous performance). At the end of the season the best six scores for each rider determine who is the Classic league winner. This means that everyone has the chance to be named champion.

But to be honest, most riders are doing it as a race against themselves and for personal progression. And next week? I’ll be back – it’s daunting at the start but exhilarating at the end.

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Club unveils new facilities Chew Stoke are winners

CAMVALLEYTennis Club has celebrated the launch of its new courts and recently completed practice wall.

The courts were re-laid last autumn at a cost of £26,000 and look absolutely wonderful. The practice wall will help players of all ages, both senior and junior

to improve their tennis skills.

Opening both facilities, local councillor Liz Hardman said: “We owe a huge thank you to Brian Wessell, his committee and members who have worked so hard to provide these facilities.”

The club’s annual summer camps are scheduled for the week beginning July 26th and another important open day event is lined up for Sunday, July 15th, when the club are hosting ex Davis Cup players who have agreed to run some coaching and exhibition play as a fundraising initiative for the club.

Details: https://clubspark.Ita.org.uk/camvaletennisclub

A TEAM from Chew Stoke Church School beat 11 other schools to win the annual Celebration of Sport Day held at Ashton Gate stadium by Bristol Sport Foundation.

The school has worked hard to keep its children active and its sports provision strong throughout the pandemic.

Head teacher, Ben Hewett, said: “The children were lucky to play all their games on the pitch at the stadium, which has been closed to spectators for some time. They played a range of different Jail Break games and were unbeaten in the entire tournament, winning a magnificent trophy. A great achievement!”

Rugby made a welcome return

SENIOR players at Wells RFC were back on the pitch in competitive action for the first time in months for an in-house 10s tournament.

The round-robin matches saw four teams take part with names taken from New Zealand sides Chiefs, Highlanders, Hurricanes and Crusaders.

The touch-rugby format allowed players from several levels to compete with five-minute halves in the early stages and a sevenminute each-way final.

Dave Wheatley goes over for a try for the Highlanders

Improving fitness and confidence

BRETTEdgecombe started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey four years ago. He had always been interested in martial arts but never really had the opportunity to start training.

He went along to a few private oneto-one sessions with Gracie Barra Chew Valley for a couple of weeks and quickly found he was hooked.

He went on to join the other members in the third week in regular classes and hasn’t looked back since. He says his overall fitness has improved substantially and there was also a massive boost in confidence knowing the skill set he obtained.

He went on to move through the white belt ranks and obtained his blue in 2020 during one of the periods when lockdown was eased.

He said: “Coming out of lockdown it is more important than ever to get on top of both physical and mental health. I am happy to see the teammates again and enjoy the social element of the club.

“If you are thinking about doing something new, or indeed if you trained in martial arts in the past, this is a great opportunity to do so in our local community.”

The club meets in West Harptree’s newly refurbished village hall.

Tuesdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm Kids Classes 7.30pm – 9pm Adults Classes

Thursdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm Kids Classes 7:30pm – 9pm Adults Classes Sundays 4.30pm – 5.30pm Open Mat All ages can come along anyone welcome

First week free as a taster Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/gbchewvalley/

Join in the fun at Winscombe Rugby Club Coleford clinch cup

Winscombe RFC welcome more girl players

WINSCOMBE RFC’s girls’ sections are looking to recruit more players for the upcoming season across all age groups.

Girls who would like to make new friends, get fit, learn some new skills and have some fun are welcome to attend one of their training sessions throughout the summer.

Coleford with the Dimmock Green trophy

COLEFORD Athletic won the Dimmock Green KO Cup in a 3-2 victory over Victoria, of Street, in the final of a shortened Mid-Somerset Football League competition.

More than 300 spectators watched Coleford’s victory at Peasedown Albion’s ground in Peasedown St John which was followed by the Baxter Shield final between Cam Valley Reserves and Clutton Reserves. Clutton won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after the game ended 1-1.

It was the first time the league had staged two finals on the same day.