SCRL Circuit Race #3 - 16/03/25
Open 3/4
George Cory (British Cycling Commissaire) briefing the 3/4 riders on the start line.
Wasn’t it supposed to be spring? Clear blue skies and a strong, biting north-easterly wind chilled the 33 riders waiting at the start line. Once again, we were thrilled to see such wonderful support from family and friends gathered on the velodrome steps.
Jack Jee (Primera Team Jobs) attacked from the whistle, arguably establishing the biggest lead in the first lap seen in recent memory.
Can Jack hold it?
The peloton was caught slightly cold and strung out as the pace intensified.
John Rogers (Southborough and District Wheelers) led the chase, followed closely by Aaron Sparks-Carolan (Sussex Revolution), Mark Shephard (Southborough and District Wheelers), and teammate Omar Malik (Southborough and District Wheelers), each of whom took an active role at the front of the peloton.
The ever present head wind on the back-straight proved Jack’s downfall and the peloton caught within a couple of laps. With the catch it presented opportunities for others to attack.
Smile if you’re feeling good! Or perhaps it’s a grimace—either works. Stuart Bettis (One Resourcing RT) and Michael Stanley (Dulwich Paragon) launched an early break.
Stuart Bettis initiated a move just half a dozen laps in. Others attempted to follow, with Richard Moult (Sussex Revolution), not pictured, managing to hold on for a couple of laps. As Moult faded, Michael Stanley broke away from the peloton and cruised his way to position himself firmly on Stuart's back wheel.
Stuart Bettis, a regular at Preston Park, both racing and volunteering, is most often seen dishing out the suffering in E123 races. Michael Stanley has demonstrated his calibre in race #2 with a top 10 finish and an impressive solo break for half the race. Together, they presented a formidable 2-up.
Break away alarm bells rang in the peloton.
Omar Malik and Jack Jee, once back in the peloton, drove the pace in an attempt to close the gap. Noah Gould (trainSharp RT), consistently well-positioned, and Ollie Shotton worked hard to stay on the wheels.
The peloton riding lines.
Concentration, common sense, and holding lines are crucial for safe racing. Sometimes, a few early shout-outs are needed to help focus minds.
Martin Gibbs (Strada Wheels RT), Paul Dutton (Wolfox Cams LeCol), Joseph Bacon (Rapha Cycling Club), and Robbie Patton (Sussex Revolution) set an excellent example, establishing their space and rhythm within the peloton.
Whether it was the wind or the fast pace of the peloton, efforts were quickly neutralised. This gave the breakaway an advantage as the gap continued to grow. Cries of '20 seconds' echoed from the audience as the laps ticked by, and the leaders taking a lap began to seem more likely than being caught.
Time to go, Aaron Sparks-Carolan, riding hard off the front.
James Evans (VCGH) in hot pursuit.
Jack Bartholomew (Stolen Goat RT), Noah Gould (trainSharp Roman RT), Steve Jack (VCGH), Richard Moult (Sussex Revolution) trying to make something happen.
The gap between the leading two widened as they alternated turns at the front
Chris Carroll (VCGH), Alastair Weinberg (Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys), and Joseph Clarke (Velosport) at the front of the peloton.
Realising the break was gone, the Southborough and District Wheelers teammates, along with Aaron Sparks-Carolan, who had been consistently leading the peloton, peeled off, leaving VCGH to take the work.
Ryan Edwards (Horsham Cycling) leads the peloton for a few quick laps, with John Rogers, Jack Jee, Noah Gould and Aaron Sparks-Carolan holding a good position throughout.
The usual faces at the front of the peloton.
Max Willcocks (rider number 15), and Paul Dutton (Wolfox Cams LeCol) riding strongly in the peloton.
Jack Bartholomew, attempts to get away.
The peloton comes back together, and the pace picks up, making it increasingly difficult for riders to break away. Aaron Sparks-Carolan takes his place at the front once more.
Michael Stanley and Stuart Bettis take a lap on the peloton, to a round of applause from the spectators.
The peloton eases up, allowing the two to ride through. It provided a brief respite and an opportunity for riders to rethink their tactics. Apart from the top two, the race seems destined for a sprint finish.
Stuart Bettis and Michael Stanley moved to the front of the peloton—a moment of sweet satisfaction for Michael after his near success in the solo effort of his previous race.
It’s time to find your teammates. James Newland (Horsham Cycling) works to prevent the leaders from breaking away again while trying to set up a lead-out for his teammate, Ryan Edwards.
The sprinters come to the fore.
With five laps to go, Michael Stanley raised the pace slightly, more as a precaution to stay safe. James Di Rico (Sussex Revolution), pictured in second wheel, subtly moved to the front, looking to initiate an early sprint.
Final corner and the sprint is on. With the remaining top 10 places at stake, Luca Geddes Gasco (LVYC) takes the blue line but it’s Jack Jee coming over the top to claim 3rd.
Luca sprinting to take 4th place.
Alastair Weinberg holds 5th, and James Di Rico fades in the final metres from a long range effort, and Richard Moult sprints through the gap for 6th place (pictured at the line), and his third top ten finish in a row.
Stuart Bettis, and Michael Stanley, ease back during the sprint, with Stuart rolling across the line in first place with Michael a second or two behind.
Seve Jack (VCGH), Ryan Edwards and Noah Gould fill out the remaining places.
Top ten:
Stuart Bettis, One Resource RT
Michael Stanley, Dulwich Paragon
Jack Jee, Primera Team Jobs
Luca Geddes Gasco, LVYCC
Alastair Weinberg, Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys
Richard Moult, Sussex Revolution
Steve Jack, VCGH
James Di Rico, Sussex Revolution
.Ryan Edwards, Horsham Cycling
Noah Gould, trainSharp Roman RT
Open E123
The main event saw 19 riders line up at the start—a fantastic turnout for an E123 race, likely due to it being an excellent warm-up for next week's National B Wally Gimbler Trophy race, hosted by Dulwich Paragon.
Rory Barrett (Southborough & District Wheelers) makes the first move.
James Bonham (Wolfox CAMS Le Col RT) counter attacks
An early breakaway seemed likely, with many riders eager to launch strong, punchy attacks.
Jacob Arnell (Southborough & District Wheelers) assumed his usual position at the front of a breakaway, while Isaac Wright, in third wheel, joined the group after recognising its threat.
Isaac Wright, taking the pace up a notch.
The early breakaway comprised, Isaac Wright, Sam Wright (Dolan Factory Racing), second wheel, Rory Barratt, Patrick Bonham, Jacob Arnell and James Bullen (Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys).
Isaac Wright increased the pace even further, causing the wheels behind to show signs of attrition.
James Bullen, using the banking to try and get back to the breakaway.
The peloton started to fracture and formed two smaller groups.
Dropped breakaway riders were gradually reabsorbed into the peloton.
Lyle Simpson (Das Richardson) and Omar Malik (Southborough & District Wheelers), with Omar doubling up from the 3/4 race, led their respective groups.
The breakaway was now three.
Jacob Arnell, Rory Barrett, and Isaac Wright formed the breakaway trio, with the two Southborough & District riders starting to leverage their team numbers to their advantage.
Cheers and cries in support for each rider could be heard from the velodrome steps.
The peloton, now back together as one group, began racing for placings, with Chris McNamara (Sigma Sports RT), far left, leading the charge as he lapped tail riders Samuel Benge (trainSharp RT) and Ben Neal (Team Tor 2000).
The final laps saw the two Southborough riders each take turns to make a strike for home but Isaac Wright was equal to the test.
Rory Barrett attacked first, but to no avail. It became a 2 rider track style sprint between Jacob Arnell and Isaac Wright, to take the win.
And Isaac Wright took it, with Jacob Arnell close behind. Rory Barratt taking third.
Patrick Brown (Wolfox x Cams Le Col RT) won the sprint from the following peloton.
Top ten:
Isaac Wright, Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys
Jacob Arnell
Rory Barrett, Southborough & District Wheelers
Patrick Brown, Wolfox x Cams Le Col RT
Sam Clarke, Dolan Factory Racing
Chris Macnamara, Sigma Sports RT
Lyle Simpson, Das Richardson
John Tindell, Brighton Mitre
James Bullen, Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys
Simon Macnamara, Sigma Sports Cannondale
Women 3/4
Hannah Graveney (AC O’Shea Development)
The Women’s Race featured three riders, all of whom had traveled a considerable distance to compete in a small field—a commitment we greatly appreciate.
Editor: Before the race, Hannah politely requested that the Women’s Race be moved to run alongside the Open 3/4. While we couldn’t accommodate the request this time, we will endeavour to do our best in the future. Upcoming races will occasionally feature the Women’s race running concurrently with the Open 3/4—please refer to our calendar to see which ones.
From the moment the commissaire's whistle blew, Hannah dominated the race with the focus and determination of a solo time trialist. Riding low on the drops, her form was aerodynamic and her pace relentless. Within just a dozen laps, Hannah had lapped the field—a testament to her power and unwavering commitment.
Lucy Choules (SUGO) and Ellan Rham (Assos UK RT) form an effective and committed 2-up.
Hannah, owning the velodrome.
Hannah Graveney, taking the win in style, having lapped the field a further 3 times.
Applause could be heared as each rider crossed the finish line, their efforts celebrated by an appreciative audience.
Ellen Rham, sprinting for 2nd on the podium.
Lucy Choules, finished 3rd.
Top 3:
Hannah Graveney, AC IShea Development
Ellen Rham, Assos UK RT
Lucy Choules, SUGO
Many thanks to all our volunteers that helped make the event go safely.
Special thanks to George Cory (British Cycling Commissaire) and Glyn Durrant (Surrey League) for sign-on, and to the medical services team, as well our marshals Joseph Bacon, Isaac Wright (Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys), Ryan Edwards (Horsham Cycling) and Richard Moult (Sussex Revolution), among many others.
We hope to see you all for the next event this coming Sunday!
Circuit race #4 - 23rd March. Entries open now.
