On a cool but remarkably dry and light winds day for Castle Combe a select few gathered to compete in the first event of the New Year. It was great to see so many supporters turn out to watch and it would have been great if a few more riders had braved the “morning after feeling” for the last running of the New Year’s morning Kilo.
As they say you have to be in it to win it and this was Alex Wareham’s chance to prove that adage as he set off on his Wiggo bike and won the children’s Half Kilo. He beat his 2018 time by 20.9 seconds, so well done to him. In the main field Simon Kay was present to defend his title supported by the 360 Degree Camera man (Seb Pecchia) and his erstwhile drinking companions from the night before. Rob Gough rode but Jamie Currie decided holding post race cocktails for Simon was all he could manage.
Paul Freegard avoided riding by acting as holder up, while Andy Cook was our starter for the day. It was great and a bit emotional to see Sue Andrews and Mike Edwards time keeping the finish, which we are sure is exactly what Sheila would have wanted to happen.
The results are below with Simon Kay taking the honours again and Lauren Booth being first lady, although Kimberley Andrews was first Wheeler lady having stepped into the adult section this year.
Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to be there and a date for the running of the Kilo later in the year will follow as we move from New Year’s day to a late summer date. Although the change in date is unlikely to change the winner – or is it? He was after all 0.7 seconds slower this year than in 2018.
Results of the New Year’s Day Race
Kilo
- Simon Kay, Chippenham Wheelers, 01:10.0
- Tom Hogan, 2nd Claim, 01:12.6
- Rob Gough, Chippenham Wheelers, 01:13.9
- Paul Winchcombe, Chippenham Wheelers, 01:17.9
- Lauren Booth, Non Member, 01:22.7
- Shaun Andrews, Chippenham Wheelers, 01:25.7
- Kimberley Andrews, Chippenham Wheelers, 01:47.2
Half Kilo
- Alex Wareham, Chippenham Wheelers, 01:20.6
