Tony Panting conquers Mont Ventoux to celebrate his 80th birthday

Tony Panting accompanied by Richard Seggar has successfully climbed Mont Ventoux in Provence as an 80th birthday challenge.

Having left the UK early on the Saturday with one overnight B & B, arriving in their Provence B & B on the Sunday which left only the Monday to complete the climb. In 25 degrees they took on the most difficult route from Bedoin which is on the south side. At the time the famous Mistral wind was blowing onto the north side. Once clearing the tree line onto the 'white rock 'the many corners presented quite a hazard into the wind and it got progressively colder even in the sun.  Reaching the summit they couldn't stop shivering and put on their weatherproofs for the descent down to Malacene where cups of coffee eased the frozen arms and hands which ached from clutching the brakes and controlling the bikes. 30 mph was the order of the day. Any more and the wind would blew you off the side. The climb is 23km at 10% which seemed more once on the 'white' rock section. It took 2hours 20 mins.

Leaving early on the Monday for another overnight in Burgundy reaching home at 8 o'clock on Wednesday. 768 miles out and 759 miles back. Was it worth it? You bet.

Cycling Time Trials

The East Anglian CC held its open 10 mile time trial on Saturday on the B10/44 course on the Harleston/Bungay stretch of the A143.

Fine conditions produced a crop of good results for the WSW&T Club contingent, Darren Davis providing the stand out result with a superb 23:26. Other results were David Young (26:09); Jim Greenwood (26:28); John Coles (26:57); Gerry Barton (28:58). Tandem riders Mark Eastwood and John Steed will be pleased with their 23:39.

Meanwhile Ron Back continues his recovery with a spirited 1:03:52 (+13m44s up on his Vets standard) in the Godric Cycle Club’s Open 25 mile time trial held on the B25/24 course at Wortwell, also on the A143, on Sunday, with John Coles producing another fine ride, this time in 1:07:52.

Mountain Bike Racing

The final event of this season’s Mud Sweat & Gears mountain bike race series was held on Sunday at Langdon Hills in Essex.

Challenging steep climbs and tricky descents made this a tough challenge for all riders.

West Suffolk Wheelers & Triathlon Club junior riders Rhys Holland Jones and Robin Lines both finished their season on high notes, with Rhys joint 8^th in the juvenile male category (3 laps in 1:07:16), and Robin 10^th in the Youth male (3 laps/1:07:13).

Malcolm Borg’s training regime is beginning to pay off; in the sport male category he finished well for 10^th (5/1:29:58), his highest placing yet.

Rounding off a fine set of results was mountain bike racing specialist Jamie Wightman in the Master Male category, his 6 laps/1:40:18 rewarded with 4^th place.

Hever Castle Triathlon

Three West Suffolk Wheelers & Triathlon Club members made the trip to Hever Castle over the weekend to compete in the Hever Castle in Kent for the final round of this season’s Castle Series.

Fine dry weather awaited the athletes, with Charlie Knowler and Libby Mills contesting the 8-10 year old race on Saturday. Consisting of a 100m open water swim in the castle’s lake followed by a 4km bike leg around the castle grounds and ending with a 1.3km run, both gave good accounts.

Charlie finished the season in fine form with 8^th overall (6^th boy) in a total time of 30:18, with Libby finishing in a spirited 55:34.

Meanwhile Amy Mills contested the 11-12 year old race on the Sunday, her time of 42:38 for the 200m swim, 4km bike ride and 2km run a fine return for her efforts.

Winter Go Ride

Off Road rides, start sat 4th Oct 2014, and will be first Sat of each month. Meet Kings Forest car Park West Stow at 1.30pm. We ride as a group round tracks and trails of forest. Suitable for all ages, under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Go Ride Turbo starts Tues  7th Oct 2014, 6.30-7.30pm at the clubroom. This session is for 8 years old and over. (Sorry we cannot include younger riders due to size of equipment and numbers).

Training Events

Swimming

Tuesday 8.30 -9.30pm at Abbeycroft sports centre, coached session across three lanes to cater for all standards. Session starts promptly so please arrive for 8.15. £3.00 per session.

Monday 07.30 – 8.30pm Culford School, coached session joining the Bury Master swim club

£5 per session.

Junior Triathlon

Tuesdays from 5-6pm at South Lee School, and Sundays in the pool at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre also 5-6pm.

Winter Go Ride

Off Road rides, start sat 4th Oct 2014, and will be first Sat of each month. Meet Kings Forest car Park West Stow at 1.30pm. We ride as a group round tracks and trails of forest. Suitable for all ages, under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Junior Turbo Training

Go Ride Turbo starts Tues  7th Oct 2014, 6.30-7.30pm at the clubroom. This session is for 8 years old and over. (Sorry we cannot include younger riders due to size of equipment and numbers).

Park Run

Every Saturday morning starting at 9am at Nowton Park IP29 5LU.

Free, weekly, 5K, timed run. The same distance as a sprint triathlon run.