The Eddie Soens Memorial Road Race, Aintree Motor Racing Circuit, Liverpool
Saturday 12th March 2016
Saturday 12th March saw the first big road race of the season, The Eddie Soens Memorial Road Race held at Aintree Motor Racing Circuit in Liverpool. Traditionally the first lung opener for the roadies, in its hey day this race would see 300+ in the field all desperate to write their names in the history of a long list of illustrious careers born from success in this event.
Riding for the Wheelers were Barry James, Aidan Warder and Danny Harrison. Danny succumbed to cramp in the later stages and pulled out to watch the others to the end. A brave effort from Aidan only weeks after breaking his wrist saw him succumb to the high speeds as the missed training miles showed. Barry used his racing nous to finish high up in the bunch and keep his powder dry for next weeks Pimbo test.
22 Mile Hilly Time Trials at Broxton, Cheshire
Sunday 13th March 2016
Sunshine burned away the early morning mist at Broxton to reveal a perfect time trialling morning. Little wind, plenty of oxygen in the air, not too cold, no chance of over heating. 60 riders from all over the North West assembled to test their early season form over the sporting 22 mile course.
Last years runner up Dan Stevens of Liverpool Century was hoping to go one better but had to settle for second again despite going a minute quicker than last time. Barry Charlton of Swinnerton Cycles Racing Team topped the podium with 47:46. Becky Lewis of Fibrax-Wrexham RC was fastest lady in 53:08. Our own Nathan Morgan-Astle rode off with the Best Junior prize despite mechanical problems which definitely cost him time.
The Wheelers were represented by seven riders in all with Dean Smith the best finisher, making the top ten with his time of 52 minutes 49 seconds. Many making their racing débuts rode fantastically with everyone hitting their targets of getting under the hour. Fellow Wheelers, friends and family marshalled and staffed the HQ provided by our sponsors twleve50 bikes which helped bolster the Wheelers reputation for fine events.