Vintage Tankard the 2024 Version in 2025
With the Vintage Tankard cancelled at the end of last year, a date was set by Sir William for this year. As with all these things, magic goes on in the background....you've got to find a date suitable to all, not always the easiest thing to do. At this point the background black magic happens. I'm guessing the course amendment would have had to change to reflect that the start and finish has moved along the road. Possible traffic counts. Dates run through district secretaries - course is in 2 districts, as it is the border between Wales and South West. Next would be securing the village hall, people like a good facility prior to a race, must be the nerves 😉
Next up would be announcing to all, looking to drum up enthusiasm, both to race and help. Not always the easiest thing to do...
With at least 28 days prior to the date a police notification is required. Many never really think about the background prep. Thanks Will, and all that helped out on the day—be it timing, signs/marshalling, buying the tucker, catering to cleaning up afterwards—thanks all!
Weather watch was on by all. On the day, an early shower dampened the course, all good for the race though—well apart from the wind which turned out to be a side headwind home. I've known it far worse.
So Rick said it was a PB* for him, fastest Ross rider on the day (congrats). But have we run the course before? Thought it was new this year—I may be wrong. Regardless, I have to assume Owen, fastest on the day, also set a course record. Hate to say it but I think he was having a tough day as I’ve seen him faster.
*Course Strava segment PB according to Rick
Andy Jones of the Forest was quickest of their team. Michelle Lee, not only first lady, was an impressive 5th overall. I was pleased with Nigel's ride—he really has become a lean, mean, racing machine. I think rider of the day has to go to Roy Small—he really has upped his game in the last 3 years...I can say this as I've known Roy at least 10 years. Our Tri star Timbo pitched up 3rd fastest Ross, pipping Jerry by 10 seconds. It's always good to see Jerry out—work gets in his way.
Sharky was like a dog with 10 tails when he finished—he was not feeling the love before the start. Swiss Tony was the final team qualifier. Seems we are strong mid-field. And me? No idea what went down—just no go. Have to assume it’s because it was my first time on the TT bike in a while.
I had several people thank us for running a great sporting course—I think they like the banter.
The Forest will be hosting this year's event later in the year. It will be a hill whippets course, so we need more of you specialists.
Team results
| # | Team Time | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 03:42:30 | Newport |
| 2 | 03:58:01 | RDFCC |
| 3 | 03:59:54 | Ross |
Individual results
| # | Name | Time | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Owen Burgess | 32:41 | Newport |
| 2 | Andy Butcher | 34:22 | Newport |
| 3 | Anthony Jones | 36:25 | RDFCC |
| 4 | Rick Harris | 36:56 | Ross |
| 5 | Jason Hanson | 37:22 | Newport |
| 6 | Michelle Lee | 37:37 | RDFCC |
| 7 | Peter Phillips | 38:26 | Newport |
| 8 | Jon Mansell | 38:54 | RDFCC |
| 9 | Owen Staddon | 39:34 | Newport |
| 10 | Nigel Skymre | 39:47 | Ross |
| 11 | Earl Smith | 39:54 | RDFCC |
| 12 | Roy Small | 40:05 | Newport |
| 13 | Tim Morris | 40:32 | Ross |
| 14 | Jerry Roberts | 40:42 | Ross |
| 15 | Allan Hodgson | 40:44 | Newport |
| 16 | Didby Rusling | 40:45 | RDFCC |
| 16 | Catalin Patrichi | 40:45 | Ross |
| 18 | Tony Phelps | 41:12 | Ross |
| 19 | Micheal Maher | 41:16 | Newport |
| 20 | Eddie Hiscocks | 43:55 | Newport |
| 21 | Claire Jackson | 44:26 | RDFCC |
| 22 | Derren Richardson | 44:32 | Newport |
| 23 | Paul Stephens | 45:15 | Ross |
| 24 | Phil Sims | 47:08 | Newport |
| 25 | Sam Davey | 48:37 | Newport |
| 26 | Matt Davies | DNF | Newport |
