Intense heat fails to slow down two local cyclists (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Intense heat fails to slow down two local cyclists

ALTHOUGH the hot weather of late has caused discomfort for some, it appears to have effected the performance of the two of Corinium Cycling Club's racing brigade very little.

For despite the intense heat, Allan Norwood and Andy Smith both returned tremendous times in the Cwmcarn Paragon RC Open 25-mile time trial.

The scorching sunshine, though, did leave one competitor needing treatment while a number of others suffered from dehydration.

Nonetheless, Norwood recorded a brilliant 56min 41sec for the 25 miles, despite a high-speed wheel wobble that forced him to slow to 15mph before he was able to bring it under control.

Smith, meanwhile, also rode out of his skin and, even after going off course, he still managed to post a stunning 57.26 to shave nearly a minute of his personal best time.

With several Corinium members pressed into marshalling duties for the National 12-hour Championships, held at the Sunday before last, it made life a little difficult for the organisers of the club's weekly runs.

In fact, just one rider, Steve Gooch, joined Peter Holden for the fast run - but even he was not allowed to stray too far from Cirencester as baby number two was overdue!

They decided to join Barbara and take a gentle run out to Nailsworth Garden Centre via Ewen and Kemble where they where stopped by a lone runner who enquired about the route to Coates.

Passing through Cherington and Avening, they eventually met up with Pam Swanston, Andrew Tolman, Norman Hayes, John Scott, Frank Savage and John Skinner at Tubby's Caf, all fresh from their marshalling duties.

There were no volunteers for the designated lunch-stop at Ham, so while the majority of the group made their way back to Cirencester, Peter took Steve along the lane behind the Garden Centre and up Scare Hill and into Box.

Then they rode on into Minchinhampton, down Hyde Hill and along Chalford Vale and the stiff climb up to Frampton Mansell before heading back into Cirencester via Park Corner.

Details of all Corinium Cycling Club activities can be found on their web site at www.coriniumcc.co.uk