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Wow, what a great cycling July we've just had, long warm sunny days have really added to the joys of riding our bikes. On top of this we've been able to watch an amazing Tour de France, with the boy next door, Geraint Thomas, riding to a very popular victory. The media has given a lot of coverage of his dreams and progress as a lad with Cardiff's young Maindy Flyers club - let's hope someone from Banbury's Rising Stars can one day make their dreams come true.
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Please send any comments, ideas or proposals regarding the contents of the newsletter to the Press Officer.
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Another busy month draws to a close and it's great to see so many club members are using the summer to do their thing up various mountains and hills around the globe.
And whilst we travel afar our reputation as a great club brings marquee riders to Banbury to compete in our time trials. Unfortunately, double Olympic rowing gold medallist Hamish Bond from New Zealand didn't get the memo to say our 20k time trial had been cancelled as he arrived at a very quiet Ludlow Drive wondering what all the fuss was about. Undaunted, he rode the 20k course anyway, with his Strava recording the fastest ever time set, easily beating the time set by Dan Bigham just a few weeks before. Hamish averaged 31mph over the course, finishing with a sub-24 minute time. He plans to compete for New Zealand in the next Olympics in the time trial and we wish him all the best with his new endeavour.
Hydration plays an important part in cycling at this time of the year; before, during and after the ride are critical to prevent a drop-off in performance and this applies to cyclists of all levels - even on a humble club ride.
See you on a ride soon!
Paul
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We had to cancel the Hardriders TT because of road works, but who would have thought a football semi-final would force us to cancel a Wednesday night TT? Certainly not our holidaying timekeeper Mr Williams, who was not amused.
Two important TTs did however take place during July, the first being the 25 mile Russell Memorial Bowl, won by Simon Kisley. This event also produced a serious rival to Jon Simpkins, as new member Tobias Wiesand, beat Jon by just 1 second.
The other event was the second interclub TT, between Banbury Star, AMG Mercedes and Team Cherwell. A record entry of 55 riders turned out, 14 coming from Brackley based AMG. There were some very close times throughout the field, with the club this time managing to beat AMG, by a margin of 3.34.
Reports of all the TTs are on the news page of the website.
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2018 Banbury Star Open time trial
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On Saturday 1st September the club will be hosting an Open 10 mile time trial and entries are now open via CTT's website.
What's the difference between this and a normal Wednesday club time trial? Well, it's open to members and non-members alike and whilst there's no trophy at stake, there will be a large prize fund. Pre-registration is essential as this is an official event, you can't just rock up like at Ludlow Drive and plead with Keri to let you sign on!
It's not just about the speed merchants though, many Banbury Star members have entered their first open time trials during 2018 and emerged at the other end still smiling.
We'd like to get as many club members as possible in this inaugural event so that it becomes a regular on the local TT circuit. Entries close on the 21st August.
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Banbury Star welcomed 2 new members into the club during June:
Robert Paul and Tobias Wiesand
Renewing is now done via the website at the following link:
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Following the success of last year's inaugural Retro-Ride, we're pleased to announce the 2018 event will take place on September 16th. Starting at Broadribb Cycles at 10am, the group will gently ride for a couple of miles before splitting into a faster and a slower group to the coffee stop, where both groups will meet. The two rides will be roughly 15 and 30 miles respectively. We hope you'll enter into the spirit of the event with a bike from the 1980's or earlier, but helmets are required, (newer bikes won't be turned away). Golden Age Cycles are awarding a trophy for 'The Best Presented Bike and rider'. You can also hire a classic bike at £25 for the day, (with profits going to 'Bikes for Africa). For more information, contact Brian Reid at Enquiries@GoldenAgeCycles.co.uk
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Tour de France - the results
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Overall winner and Yellow Jersey - Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)
Points winner and Green Jersey - Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrove)
Best climber and Polka-dot Jersey - Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step)
Young rider winner and White Jersey - Pierre Latour (AG2R-Mondiale)
Super Combative winner - Dan Martin (UAE-Emirates)
Team winners - Movistar
The full results, including all times and stage wins can be found via the link below.
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Downhill and Uphill competitions
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The pictures above of last year's winners, Ian Maconnachie and Chris Bull, clearly illustrate what's involved in these two short events.
The downhill takes place this Saturday at midday at the top of Hempton Hill. Both Saturday rides will arrive there at around this time, so everyone can have a go at the "no pedalling" race.
The uphill race, or Durran Cup Hillclimb, to give it its proper title, is part of our Wednesday night TT season and takes place on 22nd August. The hill - 700 metres of Burton Dassett - under 2 minutes of pain.
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Staying hydrated on the bike in this lovely hot summer is something we should all remember to do and prepare for. There are other precautions and tips to remember and the link below to British Cycling's advice on the subject is worth a read.
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Yet again we've found another friendly local pub, which welcomes cyclists and on a recent visit offered us coffee and free cakes for just £2.50. This great 17th century pub is situated in Lime Avenue in the centre of Eydon, NN11 3PG.
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More great news this month, as Simon Bull became the fifth Star rider this year to progress from a Cat 4 to 3 licence. Mike Gillett and Simon raced in the Cat 4 event at the Milton Keynes Bowl last Thursday evening in 30+ degree temperatures. Simon is clearly learning the art of Crit races, as a well timed push with 2 laps to go saw him in a small break, from which he was then able to sprint to a second place finish.
Don't forget the Monday Chain Gangs are still running and updates are always posted on Facebook.
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Rising Stars - youth section news
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During July we held a further Rising Stars session. We had 12 riders join us on the day, making the most of the glorious sunshine.
As part of the session we held a time trial around the perimeter road at Bodicote Park. For many, this was their first exposure to this sort of discipline. Although the course was only 1 mile, it proved a tough, but at the same time, enjoyable test for the riders in the heat.
Our next session will be on Saturday 11th August, starting as usual at 9.30am at Banbury Rugby Club.
For the last 5 weeks, Lee Heron has been undergoing the British Cycling Level 1 Coaching training. With this in place, the club can now push ahead with its objective of gaining Go-Ride accreditation.
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Don't forget, if your child joins the club as a junior member, which costs just £5, then they get a free Rising Stars T-shirt.
If you have any queries, or would like to register your child for a session then please contact Lee Heron via the link below.
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Next club kit order - Important update
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Following the announcement in last month's newsletter, not enough orders were received by Dave Speck to warrant a new order being placed. Dave advises that the order is still open and will be placed as soon as the minimum quantity is reached.
If anyone is not sure of the procedure for ordering new kit, then please contact Dave Speck via the link below.
Dave still holds a small stock of the short sleeved Classic jersey, priced at £54.18.
The available sizes are Small, Medium, Large and XLarge.
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New members qualify for a £20 refund from the club when you make your first purchase of kit.
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Ride around Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit
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Don't forget you still have one more chance this year to ride around the 3.7 mile Formula 1 circuit at your own leisure. The circuit is open to the public on Wednesday 29th August. The cost is £5 and bookings can be made via the link below:
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Five weekend club rides are now available, please make sure you pick the one to suit your ability and speed.
Have a look at the club's website and Facebook group for details of the rides, all of which have downloadable Garmin maps:
10am Saturday: easy café ride: 25 miles, 12-14mph
10am Saturday: intermediate café ride 35 miles, 15-16mph
9am Sunday: fast non-café ride 50 miles 18mph*
9am Sunday: intermediate non-café ride 50 miles 16-17mph*
10am Sunday: intermediate café ride 35 miles 15-16mph
All rides will start at Broadribb Cycles, meeting 15 minutes before the departure time.
* may be quicker depending on who is riding
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Banbury Star CC social evenings
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A double visit to the White Horse this month, our normal monthly social night is this Thursday 2nd at 7.30pm, followed by our club BBQ on Saturday 4th at 7pm.
All members and friends are welcome.
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Chain Gang - 6.45pm, every Monday, Ludlow Drive
Wednesday night TTs, all start times now at 6.30pm from 8th August.
2Up TT 15th August, Durran Cup Hillclimb 22nd August and Leyden Plaque 29th August.
Social night - White Horse 7.30pm Thursday 2nd August
Rising Stars session - 9.30am Saturday 11th August Banbury Rugby Club
Last Silverstone Cycling evening - Wednesday 29th August
Club BBQ - Saturday 4th August
Vuelta a Espana 25th August to 16th September (Eurosport/ITV4)
Club Open 10m time trial - Saturday 1st September
Retro - Ride Sunday 16th September
For more details and other events please look at the calendars on the club’s website or Facebook group.
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Follow Banbury Star on social media
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