BUCS 25 and Varsity Results!

Posted on 1st May 20174th May 2017

Cambridge men top the Podium, Men’s Teams 1st, 2nd and 4th overall, smash Varsity. Women’s Team 5th, Narrowly lose Varsity.

Saturday marked the 2nd of the BUCS Cycling Championships, this one over a much longer distance of

Luke Fisher – 12th

25 miles. Although a similar style of event, 25 miles is a markedly different distance to race over than 10, requiring a much greater degree of self control and pacing, and having much more chance of things going wrong. It also incorporated the 70th edition of the Varsity match with Oxford.

Up for the honours were 12 men- 5 were returning from last year (Including all 3 of the Half Blues), and of the 7 new riders, 5 were freshers. With the fastest three from Cambridge earning Half Blues (and the opportunity to try for the discretionary Full at the National Championships later in the year), competition was almost more fierce between the Cambridge riders than with the other Universities! Although we were feeling pretty strong and were definitely the favourites after a dominant performance in the shorter 10 Mile Championships, a lot can go wrong in 25 miles.

Fresher Luke Fisher (Tit Hall) was the first to start in the whole competition- a somewhat unknown quantity having been absent from Cuppers, but he came through to take nearly 10 minutes off his PB, a very impressive feat. This laid down a good marker, so much so that it ended up being good enough for 12th, just 14 seconds outside of the top 10. Whilst Luke was riding, former CUCC President and BUCS Champion Ed Bradbury dropped by to support his brother, and later on the old Senior Treasurer of the club came along too to cheer us on!
Continue reading→

CUCC Touring to The Boat Race!

Posted on 20th April 201720th April 2017

Early on the 2^nd April, 11 intrepid cyclists gathered as CUCC teamed up with Cambridge University Triathlon Club on a voyage to the boat races. Proceedings kicked off with a classic jaunt up chapel hill, perfect to wake us up on our way out of Cambridge. After a mere few miles, most of us realised it was considerably sunnier than we had expected… cue a major kit change for most! Off with the jackets and base layers, on with the sunglasses!

Shades, Cycling Cap, and a Pint

The sun stayed with us as we made our way South, covering the slightly more undulating terrain of Hertfordshire. Having covered roughly two thirds of our distance, we reached St Albans. We found ‘The Mermaid’, where half the group settled down for a pub lunch, pints and all, whilst a second group sought out the more traditional cycling staple: coffee and cake!

Relaxing in the sun at The Mermaid

Having refuelled and regrouped, we jumped back on the bikes with London firmly in our sights. Before long, we passed the M25 and our ride began to change. Narrow winding roads became a single straight busy road which would take us directly into the centre of London. Progress was marred by traffic light after traffic light. Despite attempting to stick together, Matt and Harshal were lost to what we would later find out was a double puncture.

Finally coming to the end of this seemingly endless road, the Marble Arch appeared before us. A combination of confusing Garmin directions and lack of London knowledge led to much guesswork through the capital, but the views were not compromised. Thinking we were on the mall, some of us initiated a sprint, reminiscent of the final stages of the London 2012 Olympic road race, only to realise this was not in fact the mall, but an adjacent road. Despite this, we soon found our way to Buckingham Palace where we joined the many tourists, taking some all-important ride photos!

Striking a pose in London

17976419_10208714746215693_1900361147_o After a quick stop at the palace, the ride continued over Westminster bridge before we split off to find various friends at the Putney and Hammersmith bridges. We were greeted by an awesome atmosphere on a beautiful day for the boat races! Huge respect goes to all who competed in the races with particular congratulations in order for both Cambridge women’s boats!

Although I can’t speak for the rest of the group, the journey home came with its own issues, attempting to carry a road bike on the underground whilst others confused my Cambridge cycling shorts for a rowing overall, thinking I had just come from the river.

In all, a great day’s cycling covering 70miles on what couldn’t have been a nicer day. Thanks to all who came, we look forward to cycling with you on touring rides in the future!

BUCS 25 and Varsity 2017 Riders!

Posted on 20th April 201720th April 2017

With only days to go until Cambridge hosts the BUCS 25 mile time trial, and within it the Varsity race against Oxford, it’s time to announce who will be donning the light blue.
The time trial will take place over two laps of a 12.5 mile local circuit near Bottisham. 47 female and 113 male students from all over the country are entered to race, including a huge five women and twelve men from Cambridge, which shows just how strong the club is this year! In no particular order, our riders are:

The Women

Name: Lottie Mallin Martin
College: Clare
Year: 3rd
Subject: Law
Some last words for Oxford: ‘GDBO!’

Name: Hannah Evans
College: Selwyn
Year: PhD 4th year
Subject: Physics
Pre race ritual: ‘Having a nap.’

Name: Holly Knox
College: Newnham
Year: 2nd
Subject: English
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Maybe there’s another sport I can try.’

Women’s Captain

Name: Jess Atkinson
College: Churchill
Year: 3rd
Subject: NatSci
Favourite training snack: ‘Nutella single serving sachets.’

Touring Secretar

Name: Emilie Lostis
College: Hughes Hall
Year:
Subject: Graduate Medicine
Favourite training snack: ‘Dates stuffed with peanut butter.’

The Men

Name: John Grenfell-Shaw
College: Trinity
Year: PhD 2nd year
Subject: Maths
Some last words for Oxford: ‘Good luck beating our 3rd team.’

18009801_1678984908796250_2097412269_n Name: Ali Golby
College: Jesus
Year: 1st
Subject: MML
Favourite Event/Discipline: ‘Cafe stops.’

El Presidente

Name: Seb Dickson
College: Corpus Christi
Year: 3nd
Subject: Engineering
Pre-race ritual: ‘Getting various tools jammed in the bike and having to hammer them out in a panic.’ [He still won BUCS 10 after this]

Events Secretary

Name: Oli Mytton
College: Wolfson
Year: PhD 4th year
Subject: Public Health
Favourite gel flavour: ‘I am yet to find one after 37 years of trying.’

Name: Sean Irving
College: Homerton
Year: 1st
Subject: Bio NatSci
Favourite gel flavour: ‘The one in my pocket.’

Name: Jali Packer
College: Kings
Year: 1st
Subject: PBS
Pre race-ritual: ‘Trying not to be hungover.’

Name: Nick Grogan
College: Trinity
Year: 1st
Subject: Maths
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Why did I do this to myself?’

Name: Rob Walker
College: Pembroke
Year: 1st
Subject: NatSci
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Pain is temporary, victory lasts forever.’

Name: Luke Fisher
College: Trinity Hall
Year: 1st
Subject: Engineering
What you will be thinking during the last 10 minute of the time trial on Saturday: ‘Anything but how much the last 10 minutes of a 25 hurt!’

Name: Hal Bradbury
College: Jesus
Year: PhD
Subject: Earth Sciences
Favourite thing about TTs: Being recognised as Ed’s brother on the start line.

Name: Chris Revell
Year: PhD

Men’s Captain, The Mulvinator

Name: John Mulvey

College: St Edmund’s
Year: PhD
Subject: Medicine
Favourite thing about TTs: ‘When they are over.’

CUCC Touring – CUCC takes Oxford!

Posted on 17th April 201718th April 2017

Back in February six cyclists met at Brookside on a Saturday, at the normal time. This could have been mistaken for any regular old ride, but no. Not that day. That was the start of the much anticipated CUCC Touring ride to Oxford!

We set off a shade after 9:30, and it was clear from the start that there was going to be a slight headwind all day, as if cycling the 130km on its own wasn’t enough… but we pushed through, setting a decent pace, and the first 30 miles flew by. Rob got a puncture soon after, and whilst this was being fixed, Emilie took out some peanut butter filled dates and offered them around, which means it’s time for the return of my food blogging; so strap in boys & girls because here it comes:
With the appearance of, well, dates with peanut butter smushed in, I was not convinced at first. But I was wrong. Who knew such a simple combination could be so good?! Would recommend, even just for the insane amount of calories in them: 10/10. Food blogging over.
Anyway, we were back and away in no time.

Shortly after, we stopped in Woburn and settled in to a nice café for some lunch. After figuring out there was a button on the table to call over the waiter (wtf), we eventually got served. Back out on the road again, we now had less than half the distance left, with the sun shining nicely over head, we were well on our way to the Other Place.Continue reading→

BUCS 10 Success for CUCC!

Posted on 17th April 201718th April 2017

On Saturday the 9th April it was the BUCS 10 Mile Time Trial Championships, held just outside Oxford. The format of the racing, a time trial, sees each competitor try and lay down the fastest time they can around the 10 mile course. On top of this, the Team medals would be awarded on the combined times of the fastest 3 from each University.

In the Men’s Competition 48 Universities were represented and 7 Cambridge riders qualified – fewer than the year before. The Women had 4 qualify for their event, but bad luck (and shoulder dislocations!) lead to just 2 taking the start. With only one rider seeded, both men and women were regarded as outsiders for the titles- one person from a Scottish University even forecasting that Cambridge ‘would go off a bit of a cliff’ this year and stood no chance- laying down a bit of a challenge!

WOMEN’S CAPTIAN JESS TAKES THE START

With one rider put off every minute it would be 3 hours before all the times were in, making for an anxious wait to see how riders compared. Soon, however, it began to show that the Cambridge Men were doing pretty well! The fastest time crawled slowly downwards throughout the course of the afternoon, until it came to a halt with Cambridge’s Oliver Mytton setting a new fastest time of 20:23 with 110 people still to go. This ended up standing unchallenged for over half an hour- despite some seeded people coming and going, the person coming closest was Fresher Ali Golby, 9 seconds back in his first showing for Cambridge.Continue reading→

Lee Valley Velodrome Trip 17.3.17!

Posted on 19th March 201719th March 2017

Raring to go!

As Lent term drew to a close, 14 intrepid CUCC adventurers wobbled onto to the boards at Lee Valley Velodrome in London, many for the their first time. After a seamless train journey, we arrived in plenty of time to watch the riders in the session before us riding around the track, and to check out the bankings which reach an impressive 42 degrees!

Luke, Toby and Matt fighting vertigo

Now it was time to don the lycra and walk down the Corridor of Champions to collect our noble steeds, the hire bikes. We also had to restrain Tom and Arnav from jumping onto the mini pump-track that was set up in the track centre.

Pre-session photo

Whilst Arnav, Tom and Jess (who have ridden track before) had a great time diving up and down the track and generally messing around, the nine beginners had a pep-talk from our lovely coach, Ricky. After a bit of time rolling around the Côte D’Azur to get used the to fixed gears, they were all up on to the boars and within half an hour, everyone was riding up around the blue line (half way up the track)!

Lining up for the Team Pursuit – Team 1

It is almost inevitable when riding on the track for the first time that you will momentarily forget to pedal, but of course the gear will keep going and so you’ll get thrown forward. If you’re unlucky this will result in a trip over the handlebars, otherwise you just get a small heart-stopping moment which is enough to stop you from doing the same ever again. Thankfully no-one took a trip over the handlebars in this session, however Rob came closest with his rear wheel hopping a good half-metre – kudos for holding that one up Rob!

Team pursuit – Team 2

After some through-and-off drills that inevitably got gradually faster and faster, we were split into three teams to end with a small team-pursuit competition. The race was eight laps and the time was taken from the last person to cross the line. Team One, comprising Tom, Luke, Matt and Rachel, came third. Team Three, comprising Rob, Ben, John and Jess came second, and the clear winners were Team Two, comprising Holly, Becca, Arnav, Toby and Johnny.

Team pursuit – Team 3

All in all, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip and are all keen to go back for more – even those who said “it’s just going round in circles, innit” (most notably, a certain Yorkshireman).

Post-session smiles!

CUCC’s next trip to Lee Valley will be at the end of the Easter term for those that are gunning for BUCS Track. Until then, don’t forget to pedal!

‘Safety First’ policy for CUCC members on public transport

Sophie Thornhill MBE Talk and Q&A

Posted on 14th March 201714th March 2017

On Thursday 9th March, Sophie Thornhill MBE very kindly made the long trek down to Cambridge from her home and British Cycling base in Manchester. After a series of train delays, Sophie arrived at Churchill at 7.30pm on the dot and so jumped straight on stage with CUCC Women’s Captain, Jess Atkinson, to talk to the gathering of cycling fans about her golden cycling career.

Sophie Thornhill and Jess Atkinson

Sophie began by explaining how she was born with Oculocutaneous Albinism, a condition that affects pigment in her skin and eyes, and has caused her vision to be limited to about 8% of what the average person can see. She recounted stories of many a hairy moment when riding solo bikes as a child, before being given the opportunity to ride as a stoker (on the back) of a tandem in her early teens. Since then she hasn’t looked back, and now at the age of 21 she has one Paralympic Title, seven World Titles, two Commonwealth Titles, eleven National Titles and let’s not forget the MBE!Continue reading→

Lea Valley CC E1/25b including new club record

Posted on 13th March 201713th March 2017

Despite the promised wet weather, several members enjoyed warm and dry conditions on the E1/25b on Sunday, promoted by Lea Valley CC. A quick glance through the start sheet showed a large Oxford contingent entered, and since public urination is frowned upon a strong showing was needed to mark our territory.

The gently rolling 25 mile course along single carriageway unfortunately starts at the south end, but a short train ride brought us to the HQ at Lea Valley CC’s cycling hut: a taste of the cycling club scene of the ‘50s. Continue reading→

Cuppers 2017

Posted on 12th March 201713th March 2017

Atkinson and Dickson triumph, Jesus best college.

1st Woman-Jess Atkinson (Churchill)
1st Man- Seb Dickson (Corpus)
1st Town Bike- Dan Eatough (Corpus)
College Winners- Jesus

On the 4^th March, 57 cyclists and 1 unicyclist lined up to see just which is the best college at Cycling.(perhaps surprisingly, it isn’t Girton) With some very fast times laid down already in the season so far by people new and old, it was going to be an interesting race!Continue reading→

Varsity XC 2017

Posted on 27th February 20179th March 2017

by Tom Simpson

The victorious Men’s Team

The 2017 edition of Varsity XC took off with another early morning. We gathered in Catz car park in the dark to pile eleven bikes into the back of our hired transporter and arrange ourselves between the three additional cars. To everyone’s surprise, Official Supporter Jali Packer put in a heroic effort to make it to Catz for 6:15 am after his Women’s Varsity Netball Dinner the night before, pillow still in hand. Once at Crowthorne Woods in Berkshire, the venue once again, we met with Rob Walker and Tom Wade – making the Cambridge team up to a huge fourteen men and three women!Continue reading→