SCRL Circuit Race #1 - 09/02/25
Open 3/4
Riders briefing by Phil Jemmison (British Cycling commissaire) for the first race of the day the 3/4’s.
With entries full from the previous evening we were expecting an exciting and competitive race - and we weren’t wrong! 28 riders braved the cold and drizzle and lined up at the start line. We at SCRL were particularly pleased to see juniors and youth riders on the start line. A big welcome to those new to the circuit and new to racing, and a nod to those that dusted off their old racing shoes and for sharing your stories.
Circuit Race #1 - The omnipresent LVYCC riders Noah Wheller and Edwin Boyle setting an early pace at the front of the 3/4’s
The race was attacking from the start. Five minutes in Edwin Boyle started a chain of breakaway attempts, followed by Brighton Mitre’s Marek Shafer. It proved a pivotal move. Marek, looking to regain his 2nd cat, edged away from the peloton with Edwin resolute and working hard to close the gaps. Marek, unyieldingly, went on to take a lap on the peloton after 25 minutes.
Marek Shafer in full flight
Rahul Talwar leading the efforts of the peloton.
A handful of riders made efforts off the front. Rahul Talwar, Jordan Buche (Dulwich Paragon), Felix Boyle (PPYCC) and Rich Moult (Sussex Revolution) all tried but, the teamwork from LVYCC made short work of them.
Gaps started to appear as the pressure mounted.
Felix Boyle (PPYCC), taking a small turn off the front of the peloton.
Eventually, with 10 minutes to go, a second pivotal breakaway of 4 riders jumped clear of the peloton.
Breakaway riders, Rich Moult, Jordan Buche, Edwin Boyle and Noah Weller working as a team, riding through-and-off.
As the final 5 laps went by, the peloton settled down for the sprint. The breakaway kept the pace high, but wary, with riders not being familiar with each others’ sprint. Whilst Marek, a lap ahead, enjoyed knowing his race was won and respectfully made sure he did not affect the remainder of the race.
Edwin Boyle, focused for the final sprint, Rich Moult following the LVYCC train
The final lap, saw a close sprint finish between Edwin, Jordan and Noah, finishing in that order, with Rich a second behind them.
Rahul Talwar took the sprint finish from the peloton, ahead of Ben Griffin (Sussex Nomads) and Harrison Clark (Southdown Velo).
Top ten:
Marek Shafer, Brighton Mitre
Edwin Boyle, LVYCC
Jordan Buche, Dulwich Paragon
Noah Wheller, LVYCC
Rich Moult, Sussex Revolution
Rahul Talwar
Ben Griffin, Sussex Nomads
Harrison Clark, Southdown Velo
Nathan Cozens, Brighton Mitre
Hadley Davis, VC Londres
Open E123
The second race of the day saw 11 riders taking to the start line, with 3 signing on the day and some brave doubling up from the 3/4’s. The rain was a little heavier and the temperature had dropped a few degrees. A slight delay on the start line made for a cold start; no better way to warm up than by racing hard!
Freddie Hick (Evolution Cycling) raising the tempo.
A franetic start stretched out the peloton. 3 riders managed to get away with a sizeable and growing time gap and soon lapped trailing riders.
The early breakaway with Alywn Frank (Brighton Mitre), James Bullen (Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys) and Freddie Hick (Evolution Cycling)
The pace of the breakaway was high, despite working well together the 3 became 2, as the elastic snapped for Freddie and he returned back to the peloton to plan a future effort.
Freddie returning to the relative comfort of the peloton.
Neil Simpson (Dulwich Paragon) being shadowed by Laura Senior who doubled-up in the 2 races
A race within a race. Alwyn and James Bullen lapping the field.
Another attack. Big power numbers being put down by Strada team mates Robert Lovett and James Bullen.
Riders plying for the remaing top 10 placings
On the final lap, Frank Alwyn attacked early and took the win, followed by James Bullen in second. Neil Simpson took a close sprint for third on the line.
Top 10:
Alwyn Frank, Brighton Mitre
James Bullen, Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys
Neil Simpson, Dulwich Paragon
Freddie Hick, Evolution Cycling
Keith Henderson, SDW
Robert Lovett, Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys
John Tindell, Brighton Mitre
Ollie Smith,
Richard Freeman, Dulwich Paragon
Jordan Buche, Dulwich Paragon
An excellent race day. Many thanks to all our volunteers that helped make the event go safely. Special thanks to Phil Jemmison (British Cycling Commissaire), and Glyn Durrant (Surrey League) for sign on.
We hope to see you at the next one!
Circuit race #2 - 16th February. Entries open now.
