TLI CYCLING REPORT: Paul Cookson Memorial Road Race

Organised by the Graham Weigh Racing Team under TLI rules, it was a day of mixed emotions for the Graham Weigh RT’s organising team, once again, ably lead by Keith Jones.

TLI CYCLING REPORT: Paul Cookson Memorial Road Race
by Michael Bell

Organised by the Graham Weigh Racing Team under TLI rules, it was a day of mixed emotions for the Graham Weigh RT’s organising team, once again, ably lead by Keith Jones.

On the one hand, there were 90 riders across the age related races, the weather gods cooperated and despite a 20 minute delayed start due to a 10km running race finishing on part of the circuit, there were no incidents to report.

On the other, Keith and his team had decided to add this additional race to their already busy schedule of events this season in memory of their much missed clubmate Paul, who sadly passed away in the summer of 2023, and, in presence of Paul’s family, a successful day of racing ensued.

Using the by now familiar 8.9 mile Holt/Wrexham Industrial estate circuit, 3 races headed out from Farndon Community Hall.

Race 1 included the TLI ‘senior’ riders aged 18 to 39 and the younger old guys: 40 – 44 (A) and 45 – 49 (B) for 5 laps of the fast, flat circuit, totalling 48 miles.

After the inevitable attacks, regroupings, counter attacks and splits the riders approached the formidable Borras Quarry Finish: wins for Kirk Vickers, ahead of Steve Fidler and Huw Owens in the seniors race with first A rider to summit being Jack Wilson ahead of namesake Shane and Chris Spencer in third.

The B category riders were lead home by promoting club’s Barry Murphy, another GWRT rider in Angelo Derosa was in 3rd place, surrounding runner-up Dave Parry.

Taking place a number of minutes later , another hardy group of riders battled it out as Race 2 got underway with the C and D riders covering the same distance.

Andrew Prince and Gareth McGuinness forced the early pace, breaking clear to be joined by Ray Bell and soon after, Chris Quin to make the winning quartet of x3 C’s and a D in McGuinness. Steve Dring was unfortunate to puncture whilst crossing to the break with Quin.

Despite a concerted effort under the exhortation of Alan Broadbent, which resulted in virtually the whole chasing bunch working together, the 4 leaders maintained their advantage and crossed the line a minute clear, Bell leading in Quin.

The rest of the C’s and D’s were lead home by Peter Rogers (2nd D) who’d broken clear on the headwind drag towards the finish, just managing to hold off a fast finishing Paul Thursfield (3rd D).

Race 3, covering 1 lap less and contested by E,F & G riders was the last to leave the race HQ. The future of the sport was represented by 14 year old Oliver Liptrot, a Youth B category rider making his TLI road race debut after taking part in the national juvenile circuit series and finishing comfortably in the peloton.

An action packed race saw multiple attacks with much of the animation coming from Steve Davies, Andy Donaldson and Brian Pearson, all the way from the UK’s longest cul de sac: Barrow in Furness. Nothing would stick though, not until the last lap when Geoff Rawlinson and Davies forced a gap that looked likely to succeed but, frustratingly, for this duo their chasers were abetted by riders riding out of category, pulling the bunch along and they were reeled in with 2.5 miles to go.

Martin Tolley took a flyer within the last mile to cross the line first to win the E category race ahead of Davies. Another Steve: Wilkinson, demonstrated his renowned wilyness to finish first F ahead of Rawlinson.

The well attended prize presentation followed which included a speech from club representative Gordon Wallace who paid tribute to Paul Cookson and his clubmates who were out in numbers around the circuit. Paul’s mother then presented the prizes to all the category winners before giving a heartfelt message to all involved.

The final act of a great day was the raffle were a few of the riders were successful in at least winning a unique prize !

Thanks to Keith, all at Graham Weigh Racing Team, Bike Marshals and of course the numerous static marshals, lead car drivers, cake and beverage providers et al.

Senior
1st Kirk Vickers Holohan Coaching
2nd Steve Fidler Velo 6 Racing
3rd Huw Owen Energy CC

A cat
1st Jack Wilson Ludlow Brewery
2nd Shane Wilson Army C
3rd Chris Spencer Velo 6 Racing

B cat
1st Barry Murphy GWRT
2nd Dave Parry Anglesey Cycling Group
3rd Angelo Derosa GWRT

C cat
1st Ray Bell Braveheart
2nd Chris Quin Bioracer
3rd Andrew Prince Aerologic RD

D Cat
1st Garath McGiness Energy CC
2nd Pete Rogers Chorlton Velo
3rd Paul Thursfield GWRT

E cat
1st Martin Tolley Stafford RC
2nd Steve Davies Bioracer
3rd Terry Giblin Liverpool Century

F/G cat
1st Steve Wilkinson Wheel Guru
2nd Geoff Rawlinson Manchester BC
3rd Andy Dodleston

 

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