Results 2008
| Date | Race Report |
|---|---|
| 28-09-2008 | Pete grabs some final points Pete Wager reports from the Last Chance Points Grabber 08 (ERRL) Sunday 28th September - It was clear blue sky and dead calm for the full field of 60 riders lining up at the Last Chance Points Grabber. I'm still chasing (chipping) my 1st Cat license so this was a must on the race calendar and also came as a recommendation from John W who won this event in 2005. His heads up on the course was, as always, invaluable!! A full field rolled out of Whitwell village at around 0900hrs on the Sunday morning for 7 laps, primes on each, of rolling Hertfordshire roads. Most teams had only a couple of riders with the exception of Finchley RT who were riding for there man on form Edgar Madeline with 5 riders. I was the lone rider for VC Meudon. First 4 laps and the field stayed together with the occasional few chipping off the front to try and get a break going or just to get the prime money available each time through the finish - I won the 4th prime having been pipped on the line for the 3rd. It was clear Finchley RT were controlling the race so any move that didn't contain Edgar was going get chased and anything that did then they would block the bunch - perfect. Each time up the long drag to St.Paul's Walden the pressure was applied and I made sure I was near the front or on the front. Just over 2 laps to go and Flavio Zappi (Oxford Uni CC) gave it a little dig over the top and dragged 7 others with him including me - sticking firmly to his wheel - a quick look round and we had 30 metres on the bunch and 2 Finchley Rt riders with us including Edgar - the break was ON!! We nailed it down the decent and along to the start/finish area with everyone pulling hard to extend the advantage. A couple of riders tried to bridge the gap but as soon as we hit the head wind section they lost any chance of making contact. The 8 of us kept the pressure on and extended the lead throughout the lap and through to the bell with a comfortable 2 minutes over the bunch. Final time up the climb and the pace was steady but I noticed Edgar had dropped to the back. A few moments later he attacked with Flavio Zappi going with him - I spotted the danger and immediately bridged. The group did not chase deciding they could catch us on the decent. In the last 100m of the climb Flavio again turned up the heat and Edgar did not respond turning to me to chase - a few words were exchanged by which time Flavio had noticed the hesitation and given it full gas over the top and into the decent. We were left to chase and the group behind left to chase us. At the base of the decent we turned left for the final 3km to the finish area - Flavio maintained a 15 second advantage - I was forced to do the lion share of the chasing as I was after the points more than the glory - Edgar sitting on in the last km completely. Up the ramp to the finish and he swung passed me but I was done and content with 3rd place and 21 points. The bunch, unable to catch us on the run in, coming in a further 20 seconds back . Flavio was a worthy winner - he was a Pro in the 80's with results that include 12th at Milan San Remo 1984 plus 2nd in the Mountains Classification in the 1984 Giro !!! Someone to watch out for next season now he's a 1st CAT :) Goodwood circuit race and the Ottershaw series to go!! |
| 07-09-2008 | FINCHLEY RACING TEAM.
CC BRIMUX RR. 110km 1,2,3,J FRANCE 7th Sept 2008 So our second trip abroad for the team. Preparation for this was a bit better but the French where still having their holidays and all the hotels where booked solid, lucky to find this one in the middle of a forest in the town of Desvres 50km from the race start. Left at 7am Saturday morning from Vince's without Avie who was engaged elsewhere and decided to meet us there! Arrived at the euro tunnel and drove down to the hotel hidden in a forest, but good old Sat Nav found it. The boys where pleasantly surprised how good the place and the surroundings looked for a 3 star. I worked out a short route for a 1hr ride and a stop for coffee in the town, my legs took a while to get going and Vince had to come a rescue me! Looking around the town there wasn't much to do, so we went back to the hotel while the sun was still shinning, which made someone a bit frisky on he's bike!!!! As we approached the main route out of town, (a 90kph duel carriageway cross road), Werner decided to sprint for the prime!!! The signs on our right counted down the junction 200m, 100m, STOP at X, Nope, we all looked with gapped mouths as iWerner sprinted, head down, flat out across the road. How lucky to only lose 1 cat life, no vehicles where passing, when we caught up all he had was a great grin on his face being the first back to the hoteli he didn't even realise what he'd done and said it was around about???. Avie eventually turned up and we had dinner in the hotel, very nice. Heavy rain all night kept us up as well as Avie coming home at 12.45am. Steve got eating by the mozzy's as well as walking into the ceiling at 3am, thud. Race day. I decided to take them over the furthest part of the race and over a couple of climbs. We arrived and got changed, signed on, gears where being changed but the rain had at least stopped. I went to drivers briefing and picked up my radio, I was 2nd in line in the following convoy out of 25. The race started at 2.30pm, 64 riders left. There was a big crowed to cheer the riders off and a 20 car convey 1/2hr in front of the bunch. The first lap was 20km and went off like stink; within 10km I could see Avie off the back. I caught him and he said he would do the first lap and pack. Not a great start. The first prime was approaching and the speed went up again as I passed many team cars changing wheels/punctures and towing there riders back on! Up the climb and I could see Daryl out the back after 15km. I caught him and asked if he needed help .yeap, he had problems breathing. I could see Steve as well in a group of 4 off the back, 17km he said he would go on so I rushed to the front of the convoy only to hear on the radio that a Finchley rider had punctured, I moved up to the front and could see Vince at the side, 20km. A quick stop, front wheel changed and pushed-off. This was turning out to be a lot harder, and I needed a helper in the car with me. I tried to tow Vince back on and we where 30 seconds form the convoy when the commissar pulled along side with a red flag waving, so I had to move to the front of the race. Just as well as I heard Finchley again on the radio and this time it was Werner, 30km. As we changed the back wheel Vince went past and Werner managed to chase and get on. Steve went passed and decided after 35km to pack. We loaded him up and chased. Meanwhile Daryl also decided to puncture but got a lift back to the HQ, 30km. We followed VinceÕs group of 6 riders. They decided to go all the way round to the finish. The climbs looked, well nasty and wind was howling. Other cars came along side given out bottles etc and then the car towing started. Each rider took it in turns form different teams to get a lift. Eventually we got a time check 11Õ50 with 20km to go. The field had broken into bits and the bunch was only 8 riders with 2 riders off the front and stragglers everywhere. The last climb saw the rain appear as the boys caught another group of 6, they went straight past and riders where shouting at each other to chase put never got on as Vince and Werner sprinted for the line together. At the presentation the smallest guy in the field won every thing. There where trophies and all the local village dignitaries as well as the Mayer giving out prizes, the hall was packed solid. But we didnÕt go unnoticedÉ.! We where called up on to the stage as the best foreign team. We got our trophy, a vase, money, flowers and a snog from the local lass. Great end to the day? No it wasnÕt. When we got to Calais they wouldnÕt let Daryl get on as they said we only paid for a car and not a van even though it clearly stated a van. We got turned over and had to pay double bubble to get back home, those F%*+$ng F*%gs. Directuer Sportif. Stav |
| 03-09-2008 | Edgar makes it Three in a Row! Finchley Racing's Colombian rider Edgar Medellin continued his fine end-of-season form, making it three in a row at the Hillingdon Circuit on last Wednesday. Part of a breakaway group which also included Costas Periedes and Andy Cullinane, Edgar made a lone effort with 4 laps of the circuit to go, but was caught on the last lap due to the efforts of the strong "Quest" team. Undaunted, he went for a long one in the Sprint for the line, comfortably winning ahead of Colin Roshier of the Quest. This weekend, Edgar will compete in the Veteran's Championships in West Yorkshire, so let's see if he can make it Four in a Row! |
| 27-08-2008 | Edgar does it Again! Another triumph for Finchley Racers Colombian , Edgar Medellin, with a lone win for the second consecutive race at the Hillingdon circuit last Wednesday. The 40 mile race was fast and eventful, and the decisive move came with 7 laps to go, when Finchley's John McMillan made a solo attack. He was soon joined by Edgar and three other riders, but the main bunch was chasing the breakaway down when Edgar made an attack with 3 laps to go. Although he was caught by the breakaway group, which was then caught by the bunch, Edgar made a brilliantly timed effort on the last lap, catching the main field napping, and soloed to victory. Actual Press Report |
| 27-07-2008 | Finchley Racing Team finally arrive at Pisa airport Italy after a 7 month wait and a 2.30am start from Stanstead airport. 7 riders and 2 partners are collected and driven to Pascia in the heart of Tuscany.
The temp is hot. We arrive at the hotel and the first thing we do is make up our bikes, ready for a ride. We have lunch in an old flower market which has a restaurant in it. 4pm we head off into the hills. After 3km of riding the road veers up for 12km to a small town called Vallone where our host lives. The climb starts off steep but ease's near the top, just as well as I was suffering. We go on a little further and meet up with the locals for a quick exchange of hand signals and book the local restaurant for the night. The next day we race. Saturday and we pack our bikes and head west to the race. All entries are on the line and all you need is a BC licence. We arrive in a place called Pratta in the middle of no-were. Its 9 euros to enter and you race in your age group range. The Italians are amused by our foreign names and try pronounce then unsuccessfully. We change in the fields where are cars are parked. A quick ride up the road and we head off to the start line. Over 200 riders split into 2 groups. The team colours are fascinating form bright orange and gold lettering to zebra strips. Loads of teams and team cars everywhere. Its 95f and the first of 22km x 4laps awaits us. The circuit is flat and fast with a 3km gentle climb to the finish. The first lap is run at 27.4mph. The roads are closed and police are everywhere, so are the riders. A well disciplined bunch without any riding problems but there's a lot shouting in the bunch. The next 2 laps sees riders clipping of the front and getting pulled back with speeds of nearly 40mph on the flats. I couldn't take any more and pulled out on the last lap. 2 others form the team had also pulled out Nick and Avi. Up the finishing climb came the first group of riders with Werner in the 2nd group about 15th place, sprinting for a placing in his age group. The next group 15 minutes behind, was split in to 3 groups with Edgar in the 2nd group finishing 6 in his age group just in front and then the bunch with Costa and Steve. What a great experience. We drank all the water we could get our hands on and had our photos taken. Will we be back next year............................with a stronger team I think so. Now we know how the system works and how fit we need to be, more sauna training, will come back for a win. We go training the next day and then pack to come home. Arrive at my door at 3am and up for work the next day at 9am, not a good start........................... I could have got some of this wrong forgive me but to the best of my knowledge this is how I saw it. |
| 13-07-2008 | It was left to Finchley Racing Team's "Golden Oldie" - John McMillan to score this weekend. John took off at 6 miles to go to win the Deal CC Veterans Criterium (Short Race) held on the former site of the Betteshanger Colliery in deepest Kent, relegating a classy field of Veterans by holding a lead of 12 seconds on a sunny , windswept day. John now moves into 2nd place in the season-long "Tricot Jersy" series, only one point behind the leader. Meanwhile in Essex, the "Divine" Vince and other from the team were taking on the might of the Essex Elites, with Vince leading the guys in with an 8th place. Vince was in the thick of the chase from the very start, and found the energy to move into the leading group with only 5 miles to go, paying for his efforts only in the final sprint. |
| 06-07-2008 | Experience and Panache Wins the Finchley Racing Team Promotion. Experience told in the Finchley Racing Team's 65 miles promotion held on the South Mimms circuit on Sunday. Run off on conditions more akin to March than July, the race was enlivened by a two-man breakaway effort from the 55 strong field,which ended when the main bunch caught up at one lap to go. Immediately, Ken Baker of Colchester Rovers, at 48 yrs, twice the age of most of the field, attacked alone and held a 12 seconds gap to the finish, despite gale-force winds and torrential rain showers. A perfectly timed move which paid off. Earlier in the week, Andy Cullinane won a fast circuit race at the Hillingdon purpose-built circuit, catching a 4-man breakaway effort with 2 laps to go, then attacking with another rider and convincingly winning the Sprint. |
| 06-07-2008 | Paul Simon Homes RR - Finchley RT (ERRL) - British Cycling Website or checkout event on Paul Simon Homes RR - Finchley RT (ERRL)- Event on Facebook, (interactive) |
| 22-06-2008 | A Big Weekend for Finchley Racing Team! The Finchley Racers, sponsored by local property developer, Paul Simon Homes, scored big last weekend. On the Team Economic Race held on the Rodings circuit in Essex, The "Divine" Vince won from a group of three, after bridging up to the leaders and then launching an attack at 10 miles to go. Team-mate Werner Otto and one other rider joined Vince, and he was easily able to win the sprint, helped by some tactical riding by Werner. Not to be outdone, new member Phil Shean won the bunch sprint for 4th place, whilst Trevor Burke was unfortunate to crash - the second time in 10 days! Edgar Medellin, one of our Colombians, placed 3rd in the sprint points contest. Over in Kent, John McMillan won the Veterans Regional Criterium (Short circuit) Championship, breaking away alone early in the wind-swept race, and lapping all of the field except one to win by over a minute. John is now off to a 5-day ride over the Italian Dolomites Mountains, sampling the local cuisines as he goes... :-) Next important date for the Finchley Racers is July 6th, when the Club will promote their annual Road Race on the South Mymms circuit, over 70 miles, for Category 3/4 riders. |
| 08-06-2008 | The "Old Stager" wins again! This weekend it was the turn of Finchley Racing's "Golden Oldie", John McMillan to win. Riding near Guildford on the "Kingston Classic" race of 52 miles, John was present in every breakaway attempt in a lively race with over 40 starters. As the race closed in on the finish, John took off at about 2 miles to the line, holding a short lead even up the fearsome hill on which the race finished. Other Finchley Racers were in action at the Elite Smithfield Nocturne on Saturday night, where Werner Otto finished 8th, and the Beccles 81-miler, with Vince Divine just missing the top 10 at 11th. |
| 01-06-2008 | The Finchley Racers got back to Winning ways this weekend. At the Finsbury Park Veterans Road Race, held on the Tips Cross course in Essex, over 52 mls, Costas Periedes won his age class, with Nick Faint just behind him in 2nd. The race had a field of over 60 starters, with breaks going and being caught all the way, finally coming down to a mass bunch sprint. Meanwhile, at the Eastern Division Championships, held "Over the Jumps" at Newmarket, our Star Vince Divine had to settle for 7th, and Werner Otto for 10th, after being involved in two breakaways over the 85mls race, against the cream of riders from the South East. |
| 26-05-2008 | With a rash of race cancellations this (Soggy) weekend, the only Finchley Racer to shine was Veteran Trevor ("Desperate Dan") Burke . Riding in the Veterans Criterium (Short Circuit) Championships at the Milton Keynes Bowl, Trevor managed 5th in his age group, chasing down a race-long breakaway group and catching them in the final 200 meters of the race, only for another rider who had contributed nothing to the chase to fly past and pip everyone on the line! Trevor says "His cards have been marked" Press Report |
| 17-05-2008 | Wins eluded the Finchley Racing Team this weekend, but our fast-improving South African, Werner Otto, came close at the Essex Criterium held at the Ford Test Track at Dunton, coming 2nd, in the leading breakaway group, from a 60+ field. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Essex, at the Andrews Trophy Race held over 80 miles at East Hanningfield, our Colombian Star Edgar Medellin finished 8th from a classy field of riders much younger than him, having been in all the breakaway groups in a fast and turbulent race. Next week, on the Holiday Monday, John McMillan will be going for the National over-50's Criterium Championship at the Milton Keynes Bowl. |
| 11-05-2008 | More than the weather was hot this weekend - so were the Finchley Racers/Paul Simon Homes! In the Lea Valley race in Essex, run over 90miles, our new Colombian rider, Johnny Torres, claimed 3rd after a race-long breakaway, with Edgar Medellin in 10th place and Vince Divine in 15th. This result means that Finchley Racing now heads the Essex Road Racing league table, and also that Vince heads up the individual classification! Meanwhile, way up to'North in Huntingdon, Costas Pierides grabbed 6th place in the Anglo Polymers race over 60 miles, and Peirs Brown continued a meteoric career progression from neophyte to local star in 10th place, in a hard-fought race on a difficult, nervous, circuit. Even the mid-week racing was hot - Andy Cullinane and Edgar were part of a group chasing the race-long breakaway at the Hillingdon circuit on Wednesday, with Costas and John McMillan in hot pursuit! Actual Press Report |
| 04-05-2008 | This weekend saw the Finchley Racers in action at the Festival Road Race, held over 85 miles on a course round High Roding in Essex. Once again, Vince Divine was in the thick of the action, as both he and Edgar Medellin chased and caught a 10-man breakaway group, which split in two towards the halfway stage of the race. Vince claimed 4th, after suffering cramp in the last mile, with Edgar Medellin, Daryl Gannon and our latest Colombian racer, Johnny Torres finishing in the main bunch 2 minutes behind. Andy Cullinane was also in action over at the Ford Test Track at Dunton, with the rest of the Club doing a long training ride over Whipsnade and Ivinghoe Beacon in Bedfordshire. Earlier in the week, neophyte Piers Brown climbed from 4th Category Licence to 3rd, with a fine 4th placing in a windy and rain-swept race at Hillingdon. |
| 27-04-2007 | Finchley Racing Team continued their victorious ways on Sunday - "Elder Statesman" - ex-professional John McMillan won the over-50's race at the Epsom Grand Prix, held at Leigh in West Sussex, breaking away with 10 miles to go, and coming home with over a minutes advantage. And this despite having forgotten his racing shorts and having to borrow another pair from a competing team! Andy Cullinane and Kevin Elderfield competed in the younger mans race, both finishing in the leading group of 25 riders. Over at the Dunton circuit in Essex, The Divine "Vince" was in action, with our South African Werner Otto, with Werner finishing 3rd after a race-long breakaway, with Trevor Burke claiming in 6th and Vince in 10th, in a race full of moves and counter-moves. Edgar Medellin raced in the AW Spring RR which was held over 120KM with some stiff opposition E/1/2 with the likes of Tony Gibbs, who has been racing over in California. Racing in singleton against the Plowman Craven Racing Team. Tony Gibb launched a final attack on a steep hill on the final lap and could not manage to maintain the pace. Richard Preble launched the counter attack and Edgar went with the move, making it to the end, on to be pipped on the line. An 11th position makes it Edgar's best performance for the season so far. |
| 21-04-2007 | Finchley Racing Team, sponsored by Paul Simon Homes, returned to Winning ways on Sunday, with a divine (Ouch!) result by Vince Divine in winning the Revolution Series Race at picturesque Layer de la Haye in Essex. Vince bridged the gap to an early breakaway group on the last lap of the 70 miles race, and won the sprint by several bike lengths. Other "Finchley's" in the same race were not so lucky. Trevor Burke and Edgar Medellin punctured early in the race, and Darryl Gannon had to misfortune to crash in the last 200 yards - but only injuring his pride.... Over at the Ford Test Track at Dunton, Andy Cullininane finished 2nd after a race-long breakaway, lapping the field. And in darkest Sussex, Stavros Socratous (No relation) and "Elder Statesman" John McMillan competed against some younger lads just old enough to have been their children in the Archer Spring Classic...'nuff said... Actual Press Report . Our South African, Werner Otto entered the E/1/2/3 race and manged to come second after James Jackson a Plowman Craven Racing Team. This moved Werner to 2nd Category by gaining 25 points. |
| 14-04-2007 | As the Cycling season clicks up a gear, and Spring arrives (Well,that's the theory) Finchley Racing Team,sponsored by local housing developer Paul Simon Homes has been ranging far and wide in search of more victories. Starting with neophyte riders Piers Brown 5th place at Hillingdon just over a week ago, followed by Wednesday night at the Hillingdon Circuit, with Kevin Elderfield placing 4th and Andy Cullinane 7th, both in a race-long breakaway group. Fast forward to Saturday at the Dunton circuit, where Trevor Burke finished a terrific 4th riding against some of the best Elite riders in Essex, not bad for a 45-year-old! Sunday saw the "Veterans" racing at Thaxted in Essex, with fine grouping by Kevin, Trevor and Andy placing 4/5/6th...1/2/3rd would have been much nicer :-). Werner and Daryll did the Cat 3/4 race with Werner coming in 6th and Daryll 11th. It was left to the Club's ""Elder Statesman" Ex-Pro John McMillan to claim the weekend's highest placing, 2nd in the over-50's race. And finally, not far away in Saffron Waldon, Vince Devine and Edgar Medellin came 7/8th respectively, in another race against Elite category riders on a hilly course. |
| 06-04-2008 | Despite the atrocious conditions, the Finchley Racers gave a good account of themselves on Sunday, at the Maldon Road Races, in Essex. In the Category 3/4 event, one of our South Africans, Werner Otto, finished 2nd only just behind the vastly more experienced Dominic Schils, an ex-professional from Belgium. These two riders were chasing a lone leader, who all but collapsed from hypothermia on the last lap. Only 13 riders finished out of a field of 60 starters. In the Elite event for top class riders, Trevor Burke finished 9th in the leading bunch, despite racing against riders half his age. Again, only 12 out of 50 starters finished. Both races were run off in almost constant snow showers and near-freezing temperatures. Let's hope Spring makes a comeback for next weekend!" Actual Press Report |
| 24-03-2008 | Despite the atrocious weekend weather, Finchley Racing scored another victory on Monday, at the Bell Temme Memorial race, held over 35 miles on the Dunton circuit. Racing was fast and furious, with many breakaway attempts through the frequent snow showers, but it all came down to a wind-assisted bunch finish, with Finchley Racing's Trevor Burke getting his first ever win from a group of 30+ riders, and maintaining Finchley Racing's 100% record on this circuit, for 2008. Costas Periedes finished in 6th, with Edgar Medellin 9th. |
| 16-03-2008 | Finchley Racing Team scored their first win of the season, with an impressive 1-2 in the first of the Spring Criterium Series, run under heavy rain at the Ford Motor company Test Track, Dunton, Essex, on Sunday. Our Colombian Rider, Edgar Medellin, won ahead of Andy Cullinane, with Costas Pierides backing them up in 5th place, on this 1.8mile circuit which normally sees Mondeos and Focuses screaming round the steep bankings - this time the only noise was that of heavy breathing...... Meanwhile, over in Suffolk, Vince Divine distinguished himself with a sixth place in the Ed Taylor Memorial, run over 60 miles at Thurlow, from a field of 80 riders. |
| 01-03-2008 | Finchley RT Criteriums |
