Brereton Wheelers CC

News added 12/04/2010

By tradition UK Bank Holidays present an opportunity for cyclists to flex their track legs and Easter Monday was no exception. Taking full advantage of this Brereton Wheeler Steve Cronshaw ventured to Manchester Velodrome for his first competitive outing of the year.

Riding in the 750 metre open sprint competition Cronshaw, a seasoned veteran, was up against all comers from all age categories in a four round challenge. A breathtaking 11.9 second flying start ride over 200 metres put him into third spot in the qualifying round.

From here he comfortably went though the early rounds to earn a place in the semi-finals. This was to be a tough prospect as the opponent, Tom Powell of the Newcastle RC2001, was not only one of the country’s up and coming sprinters but also a protégé of Steve himself.

Clearly employing all the track craft instilled in him by his master Powell successfully discharged Cronshaw to the minor final. In the ensuing ride off for 3rd and 4th place Steve was back in command finding his years of experience invaluable in displacing a 19 years old City of Edinburgh rider.

No longer dependent on the British weather the indoor meeting was a compilation of track disciplines that gave plenty of opportunity for Olympic hopefuls to display their wares. Whilst Steve is accomplished across the whole track spectrum it’s the explosive short bursts of sprinting that have been the priority throughout his career.

On the road at the weekend the club’s 10 mile time trial drew a field of some forty 40 riders to the start line. The gloriously sunny conditions threw up some fast times and Brereton’s Neil Walker made sure he was amongst them after the disappointment of a puncture on his last outing. His 25 minute ride held the top spot for a long time and proved to be Brereton’s fastest ride of the day as the event unfolded.

The Weston – Stone - Weston course has its own particular groove for Brian Hession which he slotted into to ride away the disappointment of watching first hand the end to Aston Villa’s FA Cup hopes. His efforts netted him a 36 minute ride, a little outside his best but giving him plenty of room for manoeuvre as the season unfolds.

Andy Tilsley posted a 34 minute ride whilst Steve Moss, having done a stirling job dispatching riders at the start, jumped on his bike and returned a commendable time of 26 minutes 30 seconds.

Brereton reconvene for their next event on April 25th, a gruelling 25 miler on a new course that takes in the much feared climb of Draycott in the Clay.