The Wattbike league is based on the type of racing commonly seen at indoor velodromes and provides 5 different events for each competitor to participate in. Riders are split into 3 groups of 10 riders. Group 1 is for the ladies and the remaining 2 groups places are taking by the men. A mix of participants had assembled which included first timers, seasoned wattbikers, cyclists and triathletes and even current National Champions.
In group 2 Alex McDonald’s time of 30.96 ensured him of the win ahead of his father, Neil. Local GP Pat Staite’s 31.57 time gave him third place, surely a good example of an active lifestyle being set for his patients!
The Devil race, with pre-determined distances used to eliminate the last rider to reach it, guarantees fast and furious racing in which tactics are all important. Julie Cooper won again for the ladies, followed by Beth Clayton and Sue Smith.
In group 3 meanwhile Steve Clayton took first place but was hotly pursued by Bertie Newey, who was clearly in good form following his participation in the Tuesday night league. Simon Smith continued to challenge though and took 3rd spot.
In Group 2 Chris Stilgoe and Neil McDonald beat Rob Cox and Ian Simms to the line followed in 3rd place by Mike Yardley and Pat Staite. The combination of Steve Clarke and Simon Smith proved too much for the field in group 3 as they snatched victory ahead of Bertie Newey and Dave smith.
Group 2 are pushed a little bit more and race over 3km. Rob Cox’s 4.09.66 ensured he pipped Tim Challinor to the post who was closely followed by Ian Simms in 3rd place.
The 500m Handicap event, the last of the evening, sees riders set of at intervals dependant on their times in the 500m time trial event. If the handicapping is done well it should see all riders crossing the line together. It does however rely on the riders not holding back in the first event, as if they would consider doing so! Debbie Capewell took her first Wattbike victory followed by Anne Robinson and then Julie Cooper. All the groups’ riders actually finished within 3 seconds of each other. Neil McDonald, Ian Simms and Tim Challinor took the first 3 places in Group 2 again all riders finishing within 3 seconds of each other.
By the end of the evening Julie Cooper had won overall in Group 1, Ian Simms for group 2 and Steve Clayton in Group 3. The next league event takes place on 20th November. If you would like to participate in this event which is open to anyone to do so please contact Nigel Capewell on 07768 560932 or Phil Kelly at the leisure centre on 01543 308842. Full results and details are available on www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/wattbikes
