The Vegetarian Cycling & Athletic Club
(Established 1888)
VCAC 10 Mile Time Trial - 21 May 2008
Overcast and cool conditions faced a high quality field of thirty competitors in the Vegetarian Cycling and Athletic Club's 10-mile Open and Medium Gear time trial on the evening of the 21/5/08. A nagging side wind made a tough course even harder for the riders, and made several marshals regret the light clothing they were wearing in anticipation of a pleasant early summer's evening.
The Medium Gear event was very closely fought with only thirty seconds covering the first three riders, Simon Roberts (Yorkshire Velo) taking a hard earned first place. The Open Event riders had none of the small gear handicaps of the earlier riders, but nonetheless many reported it to be one of the toughest 10s of the year so far. Blair Buss (Pedalsport CC) emerged victorious with the fastest ride of the night in 22:03. Emma Smith, the VC&AC's only rider due to the struggle to find enough marshals, put in a creditable 33 minute ride.
In spite of the "hard riders" nature of the event there was an upbeat atmosphere, and many compliments were expressed at the quality of the promotion. Altogether a successful and enjoyable event promoted by the club during our 120th anniversary year as part of National Vegetarian Week.
Thanks are due to friends, family and club members for rallying round to support the event; the post-race vegetarian buffet going down particularly well.
Photos by Mick Wigglesworth
