Hitchin Nomads in European action – 19 March 2017

Reporter: Nigel Wilson

The Hitchin Nomads were represented by 3 riders in the San Remo Gran Fondo in Italy on Sunday 19 March. The 62 mile Gran Fondo covered much of the route that the professionals had covered the previous day when racing from Milan to San Remo.

 

A field of more than 250 riders took to the start line in beautiful weather, and the event headed east along the Ligurian coast with a loop into the hills before returning to the coast road to tackle the climb of the Cipressa and a summit finish on the Poggio. James Gomm was in fine form, staying in the leading group for the first 20 miles. Eventually, James finished the event in an impressive 3 hours 33 minutes which placed him 167th in a high class field. He was also the first of 14 British riders over the finish line. Nigel Wilson (4:09) and Mark Young (4:16) were also satisfied with their performances. The winner, local rider Marco Tempo, was first to cross the line in 2:44 – an average speed of over 23mph.

 

Watt Bike “No Excuses” Sportive – 26 February 2017

Reporter: Catherine Jones

Twenty eight, yes twenty eight, Nomads braved the aftermath of Storm Doris and rode the Wattbike No Excuses sportive on 26 February. Members took on both the Epic 82 miles and the not-to-be-sniffed-at Standard 54 miles.

However, windy conditions, punctures and several feed stops resulted in a number of excuses being volunteered. Amongst these were:

“I had to hold the Captain’s bike up while he fixed a puncture”

“Multiple punctures and cramps”

“Too many cake stops”

“I filled my pockets at each feed stop”

“Too long at the feed stations”

“I added about 2 miles by missing that sharp turn…”

“A catastrophic old school bonk”

We came away with a clutch of fantastic performances (see table). A special mention to John Curtin and Steve Stanbury who were back out on their bikes after nasty falls. Chapeau!

The results will go towards the HNCC Sportive Trophy 2017.

Surname	First name	Distance	Standard
Bamberough	Irene	Epic	Silver
Bamberough	Roger	Epic	Silver
Batt	Chris	Epic	Silver
Berwick	Rob	Epic	Silver
Brabrook	Chris	Epic	Gold
Cornell	James	Epic	Gold
Curtin	John	Epic	Silver
Edwards	Scott	Epic	Gold
Fox	Rob	Epic	Gold
Goldenberg	Chris	Epic	Silver
Greenfield	Paul	Epic	Silver
Hardy	Andrew	Epic	Silver
Hollowell	David	Standard	Gold
Horwood	Scott	Epic	Gold
Jones	Catherine	Epic	Gold
King	Steve	Epic	Gold
Manning	Calvin	Epic	Silver
Matthews	Ingrid	Epic	Gold
Morgan	Nick	Epic	Gold
Pegg	Julian	Epic	Gold
Rickles	Dave	Epic	Gold
Ruggles	Brian	Epic	Silver
Scott	Martin	Epic	Silver
Stanbury	Steve	Standard	Bronze
Stevenson	Andy	Epic	Silver
Tilley	Jon	Epic	Gold
Timms	Darren	Epic	Silver
Watson	John	Epic	Gold

2014 Going BEYOND Nomads Sportive

The Nomads host an annual sportive ride which offers great routes, signposted, well stocked aid stations, timing, gold, silver and bronze standards plus commemorative gear for all riders. This is the fourth running of the event and as ever entry fees are used to raise funds to support African children to receive the important gift – education.

Support this Nomads event by entering online. There are two splendid routes to choose from.

For 128km(80 miles) follow this link:

http://gobeyondsport.co.uk/events/nomads_cyclo_sportive_80mile_2014

For 80km (50 miles) follow this link:

http://gobeyondsport.co.uk/events/nomads_cyclo_sportive_80k_2014

 

Where: Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way, Hitchin SG5 1XL, for information on getting to the start venue and travel options click here.

When: 25th May 2014. Registration from 07.30; Starts from 09.00 to 09.30.

Entry Fees: £25.00

Parking: There is plenty of free parking at the HQ.

What to wear: Bike helmets are mandatory.

Course: For the course map click here.

Drinks & Refreshments: There are 2 Gu aid stations on the 80 mile course. Well stocked with water, Gu energy gels, Jelly Babies and the famous Go Beyond Cake there is also free tea, coffee and snacks at the finish.

Don’t forget: Bike, bike helmet, bike shoes, drinks bottles and it is your responsibility to ensure that your bike is mechanically sound and event ready.

Teach Africa Fundraising: To secure your free Race Entry all you need to do is commit to raising £200, which includes gift aid.