Britain's Finlay Tarling dies in Volta a Portugal accident
The cycling world is deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Finlay Tarling while he was pursuing his passion for cycle racing.
Finlay was a leader in a new generation of exciting and promising young British riders. He simply loved his cycling and will be greatly missed in the peloton.
The Pedal Club will remember Finlay and offers it's sincere condolences to his family, friends,team members ,coaching staff and acquaintances.
He was an example to everyone who wants to follow their dreams with his dedication and passion for the finest sport that is cycle racing.
Rest in Peace Finlay
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Cycling chiefs criticised for response to Fin Tarling’s death: ‘This simply cannot happen’Click here for more details
One of the training courses delivered this week where the ethos ofThe Pedal Clubhas been featured and talked about.
The event took place in Brent in the shadow of the iconic Wembley Arena, delivering in-ride lead and marshal training to a variety ofcycling campaign groups.These included School Bike Bus organisers,Breeze Ride Leaders,Community Group organisers and a Club Team representative.
The event was hosted byAlison Litherland,Brent Cycling ProgrammesLead Officer, (8th from left) and run in conjunction with theLondon Cycling Campaign. The programme is proving to be hugely inspirational in raising cycling awareness and involvement across the borough.
We had a lovely, warm and sunny day and added no more to the mayhem of a busy Sunday shopping day than any other relatively large group of cyclists.
Peter Gardneris neither a cradle cyclist nor an elite racing man, but he is a notable addition to the world of cycle sport and to the80/80 register.
Peter only took up cycling at the age of 37 when he joined the Chester Road Club, following in the footsteps of his two sons who were already members. Once bitten, cycling became a big part of his life, with many club runs in Cheshire and into Wales. Fitness came slowly but when it did arrive he rode weekly club time trials, followed by open events up to fifty miles. There have also been many Audaxes and mountain biking in North Wales.This included a climb of an actual mountain when he was in a small group who, one misty November day, made an ascent of Snowdon by the Rhyd Ddu bridle path, quite possibly the first time this had been done.
However, perhaps the most striking feature of Peter’s cycling story is that he was diagnosed with with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2015. This is a severe form of cancer with a five year survival rate (for the over sixties) as low as 10 – 20%. He received a bone marrow transplant which has been spectacularly successful, enabling him to do this80/80 rideeleven years after his diagnosis.
The Pedal Club has been asked to locate the heirs to Charlie Holland 1932 Olympic bronze medal.
He won anOlympic bronze medalin themen's 4,000-metre team pursuitat the1932 Summer Olympicsin Los Angeles on August 3, 1932, riding for Great Britain alongside Frank Southall, William Harvell, and Ernest Johnson.
Jonathan's Colorado Success Continues
Jonathan Rafiki continues to prove that he belongs among North America's top young cyclists. In just the past two weeks, the 17-year-old Rwandan Junior National MTB Champion has earned:
It's our 4th annual gathering @ ' Carlton Tavern' on Thursday August 6th 2026 from 12.30 pm onwards.
All ex-riders, friends and supporters are welcome, just bring memories along (printed or otherwise).
Mark Cavendish
how AI sunglasses will transform cycling
Mark Cavendish
-how AI sunglasses will transform cycling
He may not be competing any more, but the former Tour de France star has been using his expertise to help Oakley develop game-changing glasses. By Peter Howarth
An earlier scene: 1942, Banstock Road (Edgware), on the Watling council estate. A small,skinny legged boy is taken, by some older girls, to the top of what then and still is a reasonable hill. He is put on a 28” wheel ladies bike, just able to stand on the pedals and reach up to the handlebars, but not the brakes and certainly not the saddle. One big push and another bike rider is born – the girls are left behind giggling as he wobbles off. This skinny kid was me, aged just five.
The Pedal Clubs January meeting included its AGM which was efficiently completed without controversy. As is usual for the club there was no speaker at this lunch.
The main interest in this meeting was the inauguration of a new president when the 2025 president, John Wheatley, handed on the chain of office to Charlie Allen. G.H.Stancer, the clubs founding chairman and leading light in the early days, would certainly have approved of this appointment since his original intention was that the club
should be able to present and promote cyclists views at government level. Charlie Allen is a member of The All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling, Walking and Wheeling - in a nutshell, they advise the government on its active travel policy.
Although it would be foolish to expect this committee to achieve dramatic improvements in the affairs of British cyclists, at the very least Charlie has a chance of making our voiceheard in Westminster. His new title of President of the Pedal Club will do him no harm in
this task.
The meeting was held at the Civil Service Club in Whitehall and attracted forty five members.
Chris Lovibond
January’26.
Those of you who attended the May and June lunches will recall that we made awards to both Eloise Ward and Zoe Roche and similarly, following Jeremy Ford’s presentation at our November lunch an award was made to Team Africa Rising.
Well, you will be please to see that the money has not been wasted and I have received the following messages from Eloise, Zoe and Jeremy:
FROM ELOISE
This year has been quite mixed for me after first-year U16 went so well. Most importantly, I achieved my main goal of making it through to the next BC stage with 3 other girls in my year - a six-month trial for a place on the Olympic Development Squad (ODS). The grant from the Pedal Club was incredibly important for that because it enabled me to get a proper bike fit and new front end for my track bike, which helped me take a lot of time off various distances on track. Thank you so much!
I also got some good results on the track - 3rd at the National Youth Omnium Final, a 2nd place at the Youth Track Champs 500m - and on the road - 1st at Hillingdon national, a few other national podiums, 3 more podiums in Belgium. However, my season was disrupted by a few bouts of illness, which meant things didn't consistently go to plan and I missed lots of big races. Fortunately, I'm feeling fit and healthy again.
Next year, I'll be joining Zoe at the new merged Tofauti/Fensham junior team for road. They have a great program of races. I hope to get some good results at home and in Europe, although it will be hard as a first year and I have to fit it all around my GCSEs! For GB, my goals are to be selected for ODS at the end of the trial period, which will mean officially being part of the GB Cycling Team, and get picked to represent GB at a few track and road events.
FROM ZOE
I raced at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Switzerland, where I ended up being ill and had to abandon the race. I took some time off and then got into cyclocross season thanks to the additional support from Santini UK, Challenge Tires and Van Rysel who are helping me this season. I had a great start to the season, winning 3 rounds of the National Cyclocross Trophy in Derby, Falkirk and Clanfield. Unfortunately, that may be the last Trophy race I do this year as I have too many other commitments.
I also went to Belgium for a week and did 3 races, 2 elite and 1 junior. The first was the night race at Woerden where I was racing behind the world champion on the first lap. It was a fantastic experience to race with the top pros. I came 8th in my first elite race as Junior. On the Saturday I took to the Exact Cross in Netherlands, lining up behind Fem Van Empel again. I got a great start and was in second wheel for the first lap. I didn't do so well but had another great experience, finishing 18th. The last race of the trip was a junior race at Overijse Superprestigue. The course was really good and I managed to take the win in a sprint at the end.
After Clanfield I was selected for the European Championships in Belgium. I wasn't feeling great that week, quite tired after a lot of travel. Although I got a good start I couldn't maintain the effort and finish 18th again. The race was on the beach at Middlekerke and although it probably didn't suit me anyway, it was a bit disappointing to not get the result I wanted.
Two other bits of news, I was selected for the GB Mountain Bike XC Olympic Development Squad for 2026. I have also joined the new road team formed from Tofauti Majaco and FH Mas. As I mentioned before the experience and results I gained in racing in Europe, thanks to the funding from The Pedal Club, led to me signing for the team.
Hopefully lots more cyclocross racing before thinking about road and mountain bike. Then the small matter of my A-Levels in the summer. Many thanks for the support and continued interest, it has made a big difference to be able to get more experience and attract further support with the exposure from The Pedal Club. I'm very grateful.
FROM JEREMY
Ladies & Gents,
WiFi is a bit sketchy but please find attached some photos from the Africa Conti Cycling Champs where we bought 2 massive bagfuls of OTE (GB brand!) hydration/electrolyte tablets as it is 35C here!
Teams include Botswana, Ethiopia, Benin, Namibia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Eritrea and more. The Pedal Club making a wonderful difference!
Madison remembers
John Oakes
-Simon cox
It is with great sadness that Madison has shared news of the passing of John Oakes on 26th August, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Reflecting on a lifetime spent as a cyclist, friend to many, and widely respected industry colleague, Madison CEO Dominic Langan shares the following thoughts:
"John’s life was defined by his passion for cycling. Originally from Brighton, he began his racing career with the Brighton Excelsior before moving to Bromley, Kent, where he was working as a draftsman. His talent on the bike was clear from the start, racing for the Anglia Sport HURET team and securing a silver medal in the team time trial. While riding for the Geoffrey Butler-sponsored club, John broke the national 30-mile time trial record with an outstanding time of 1:01:46, and he went on to achieve many race victories across all disciplines, including with VC Etoile.
Despite his many achievements, John’s love for the simple joy of riding his bike never faded. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he continued to ride, embodying the resilience and spirit that defined him both personally and professionally.
John’s career in the cycle trade was just as distinguished. He worked with Ron Kitching’s cycle distributor in the 1980s, managed Evans Cycles in Woking, and later represented respected brands including Pearl Izumi, Basso, and PRO. His journey took him to: Fisher of Finchley, Fisher Outdoor Leisure, Zyro Fisher, and Muc-Off before he joined Madison in 2023.
John quickly became a valued member of our sales team, working both on the road and in telesales, bringing his energy, warmth, and deep knowledge to everything he did.
John was always full of energy—whether in a race, on a club ride, or during a sales call. His enthusiasm, determination, and kindness shone through in every aspect of his life. He was the kind of colleague who always went the extra mile and great company to be with.
John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, customers, and the wider cycling community. His contribution to the sport and the trade leaves an enduring legacy, and his spirit will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace,John."
To remember and celebrate his life, a memorial service is being held at 1pm on Friday 26th September 2025 at:
Maple Park crematorium,
Skipton Bridge, Thirsk YO7 4SA
with light refreshments to follow. Family flowers only, and instead would like to encourage a donation towardsHerriot HospiceandMarie Curiewho were invaluable in the last few weeks of John’s life.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends,
More than half of London cyclists admit they often run red lights
Researchers say a small group of habitual riders account for the majority of violations, prompting calls for better infrastructure, enforcement and education.
More than half of cyclists in London routinely jump red lights despite it being illegal, a survey of riders has revealed.
Commuters who cycle daily are the biggest offenders, their greater experience on two wheels cited as a leading factor in the behaviour. Among “regular cyclists”, 58 per cent admitted running red lights, compared with 43 per cent of those who cycled monthly.
The report’s data suggests that those in the top 10 per cent of the most frequent bicycle users accounted for 66 per cent of all red-light violations. The researchers said this “indicates the behaviour is most concentrated among a small group of habitual cyclists”.
I thought I should let you know how my season has gone since I met you and also how I've used some of the funding.
I've just finished a three-day block of racing at the VIA criterium on Friday in King's Cross, Hillingdon national on Saturday and Hog Hill national on Sunday. I had only recently started coming back from the long period of illness and after-effects that I mentioned at the award ceremony, which meant I had to miss some important races and lots of valuable training. So, I went into the weekend really just looking to see how my legs were and have fun.
In the end, it went really well and I came away with a win and two podiums. I took the win in a bunch sprint at Hillingdon youth national on Saturday which was a very hot and eventful race, including a nasty crash at the front of the bunch that stopped the race for about 20 minutes and that I narrowly managed to avoid. I also took third at the national at Hog Hill - my home circuit - on Sunday, where I managed to get a bit boxed in and was a bit too late opening up my sprint, and second at the Via Crit on Friday night, which is a really fun event racing through Coal Drops Yard with big crowds.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent some of my Pedal Club money on a bike fit, which resulted in some changes to my saddle and cleat position after some cramping in my calf earlier in the season. I think it must have helped with the weekend's sprints!
My next focus is the National Youth Circuit Championship in Pembrey Country Park in Wales in two weeks and then the National Youth Omnium Final at Lea Valley the week after that. There are national jerseys for the winners of both events, so they are a big focus for me!
I was very pleased to receive an award from The Pedal Club. This generous support, given on 11th June, will support my racing this year.
Earlier in the year, I had applied to The Pedal Club. I wanted to be considered for the John Barclay project. This project was to directly support junior riders racing in Europe. That got postponed for this year. However, two of the applicants were given awards to help them race. I was one and Eloise Ward was the other.
I picked up the cheque for £1000 at The Civil Service Club in London with my Dad. I had school in the morning so couldn’t go to the lunch beforehand.
We heard fromMaria Blowerabout her cycling career. She shared stories about the two Olympics she raced at. She ultimately came 6th in the road race in Seoul ’88. Maria also managed to get herself membership of The Pedal Club during her speech.
I’d like to say a big thanks to The Pedal Club for the monetary support. It will make a massive difference, especially not having a team as yet. Thank you to everyone I spoke to for their words of encouragement.
I hope to race in France (Valromey GP) before the XCO Nationals. I also plan to race in the Netherlands (Watersley Ladies Challenge) on the road afterwards. This money will make that happen should guest places become available.
In London, less than 1 in 3 cycle trips are made by women.
In the Netherlands, it’s over half.
“Get off the road, b*tch!” women cycling in London told.
We surveyed over 1000 women in London to ask what barriers prevent them from cycling. The responses were shocking. We received countless reports of harassment, aggression and even physical and sexual assault directed towards women cycling. The resulting report, ‘What Stops Women Cycling in London?’ reveals shocking levels of abuse faced by women cycling in the capital. It sets out our recommendations for the Mayor, Transport for London and London boroughs to overcome these barriers so that women can cycle any of their daily journeys without fear.
It is unusual for Pedal Club members to be in contention for current sporting honours, but it
is certainly not unwelcome.
Sunday 12 th January saw the second day of the championships at the Gravesend Cyclopark and our member, Hope Inglis rode in the Senior Women’s and Under 23 event.
She finished a hard fought race in fourth position overall and took the bronze medal in the U23 category.
Since Hope is still only nineteen, she must be in with a good chance of taking this title in the near future.
The Championship itself was well organised and drew a big crowd. The course itself was excellent and made good use of the muddy slopes which are a lot more challenging than one might realise just by riding round the road circuit. At least one other club member,
Bruce Sandell, was present busy helping with the organisation.
Pedal Club members have made a significant contribution to the creation and work of the Cyclopark and it’s great to see it hosting such an excellent event.
Steve Wright donated this GB kit to Team Africa Rising who sent this video and pictures thank Steve and the club for our help . They look really pleased and their enthusiasm is infectious
Chair of the British Cycling Road Commission: Appointed in June 2025, she leads the strategy and oversight for domestic road racing. In this role, she is focused on rebuilding the sport from the ground up, reducing structural barriers for new racers, and reshaping rider representation.
There is a belief that innovations are necessarily improvements and this is particularly true of technical changes in the bike game. However, just as in economic life, new technology tends to increase inequality, so in cycle sport new developments tend to detract from the riders themselves. The use of radios is an obvious example: in the past a winner could claim credit for using his own knowledge and ability to read the race, whereas now he has usually followed the instructions of his DS.
Increased Penalties: Cyclists who cause death or serious injury by dangerous cycling will face significantly harsher punishments, aligning them with driving offences.
Causing Death by Dangerous Cycling: This offence could now result in a life sentence upon conviction.
Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Cycling: This new or amended offence could lead to a 5-year jail sentence, a fine, or both.
New Offences: Other new offences, punishable by a fine or an education course, include "cycling on a road dangerously" and "cycling on a road without due care and attention".
E-bike Regulations
Commuting on Public Transport: In London, the key change is a ban on non-folding e-bikes for those who use public transport as part of their commute.
General E-bike Standards: The standard UK regulations of a 250W motor and a 15.5 mph limit for pedal assistance remain in place for most riders.
Off-Road E-bikes: Higher-powered e-bikes can still be used off-road on private land but must adhere to the same 250W/15.5mph rules on public roads.
Other Updates to the Highway Code
Hands on Handlebars: A specific update advises cyclists to ride with both hands on the handlebars where possible.
Road Positioning: The Highway Code now clarifies that on quiet roads, at junctions, and in slower traffic, cyclists may ride in the centre of the lane for safety and visibility.
Car Door Safety: The "Dutch Reach" technique, where drivers use their far hand to open the door, is recommended to help spot cyclists.
Quick update from Zoe.
"All the funding went into getting me to two European road races, Valromey Tour Feminin and Watersley Ladies Challenge. I think this is what JBA was aiming to do. My performance and progression at these two races has provided me with the opportunity to join one of the best teams in the UK for 2026. Thank you for the support and belief. News on the team soon."
In less than a month one of the sporting highlights of the year, the Tour de France, will start in Lille. Cycling addicts will join those who feast on spectacular views of the paysage as the peloton makes its back-breaking way through France.
But have the French fallen out of love with le cyclisme? As we report today, the behaviour of a new breed of cycling commuter is causing friction in the streets of Paris and beyond. Objectors have found a champion in Le Monde, which accuses young cyclists of slaloming between pedestrians, jumping red lights and making phone calls while riding. All of which will be familiar to many road and pavement users in this country.
What’s to be done? Some suggest cycle lanes should be fully separated from motor traffic. Others want restrictions on e-bikes. Whatever the plan, at least it has put to bed one Gallic stereotype. That onion-seller on a boneshaker wouldn’t stand a chance at the lights.
Canyon suffered a net loss of €38 million (£32m) last year, with the investment company who bought just over 50 per cent of the business in 2020 for €400 million (£337m) now saying their shares are worth 43 per cent less than in 2023 and 35 per cent less than what they invested five years ago.
broke the story having viewed the 2024 financial statement for the Belgian holding company Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) who invested in Canyon at the height of the Covid bike boom, buying over 50 per cent of Canyon Bicycles' shares at €400 million, which it now says is worth €261 million, a slump of 43 per cent from the €460 million they were worth in 2023.
Last week saw Pedal club memberNeil Manningalso become member of the Pickwick Bicycles Club. Pictured here Grant & Neil Grant told us he was delighted to hand over Monty Young’s boater to Neil who is part of the Condor family. He also said it’s ironic to have been given the late Mike Bunyans Soubriquet
The Middlesex Dumplingwho was also a great friend to Monty , Grant & Neil .
********************************BikeBiz askedDominic Langan,a three-plus-decade industry veteran and CEO of the UK’s largest distributor, to share thoughts and experiences from his time on the ground in Monterey, California.
"I’ve been attending Sea Otter Classic in Monterey since 2018, following the demise of Interbike, which bowed out with its final show in Reno. Interbike had lost its spark by then, but Sea Otter has steadily grown in importance, both in atmosphere and relevance.
The USA shows have always had strategic value for Madison. We’ve long championed a strong portfolio of American brands in the UK and Ireland, so Sea Otter is a great opportunity to connect face-to-face, discuss new product, and align on plans. Beyond that, I’ve always appreciated how closely our markets follow the US. Being there in person allows me to tap into upcoming trends, speak with US distributors and retailers, and take the pulse of the market from the ground.
Sea Otter is held at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, nestled in the hills just outside Monterey. It’s a couple of hours’ drive south of San Francisco, and it plays host to around 70,000 visitors, with over 7,000 signing up to race. You’ll find 500+ exhibitors and roughly 1,000 brands—from household names like Shimano to up-and-coming garage start-ups, including some familiar UK brands who exhibit too."
Great Britainis set to host the Grand Départs of the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes according to the BBC and Yorkshire Post. The men’s race last visited Britain in 2014, when Stage 1 and 2 took place in Yorkshire and Stage 3 went into London. Those reports have suggested the men’s Grand Départ will be in Edinburgh, while the women will start from Leeds.
UK Sport said, ‘We have made no secret of our ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Depart in Britain – to inspire more people to enjoy cycling and bring lasting benefits to communities.
‘However, we respect this is a matter for the ASO and we remain committed to working hard to develop opportunities that can bring the joy of cycling to everyone.’
It comes off the heels of the fact there will be no free-to-air TV coverage of the Tour from 2026 after the double blow of ITV losing broadcast rights and Discovery+’s coverage moving onto the £30.99 a month TNT Sports subscription.
Seven of Britain’s best cycle trails, whatever your level
Add some adventure to your winter with a weekend on two wheels. These are our expert’s picks, with a lovely place to recover (and store your bike) afterwards.
As any cyclist will tell you with great zeal, to cycle is to get fit by accident: you ride for scenery, camaraderie and perhaps to clear your mind. If this sounds like a good way to add cheer to your winter, you’ll be pleased to find that the road and mountain bike rides we’ve picked are doable by most riders; we’ve included options for first-timers along with a few tricky alternatives for those who fancy a challenge. All loop back to a nice hotel that will happily store your bike and, as three hours of cycling is our limit in winter, we’ve factored in a stop en route. GPX navigation files are also available online for most. Warm gloves, socks and a buff? That’s your responsibility.
Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the most common form of the disease in the UK. A record 55,000 men were diagnosed with it in 2023, up from 44,000 in 2019. These are frightening numbers. Should all midlife men demand that they have a screening test?
Cycling Time Trials, the National Governing Body for time trials in England, Scotland and Wales has revealed a new website and full rebrand.
The existing website, in commission since 2016 has now been upgraded, something the brand says brings a modern, user-friendly experience that reflects their vision for the future.
With its new functionality, the new website should offer an enhanced experience for riders and event organisers.
Anti-cycling stories are bad for the UK’s health, says Chris Boardman
The UK’s public health is being directly harmed by anti-cycling coverage in parts of the media, Chris Boardman, who heads the government’s main active travel organisation, has told the Guardian.
Boardman, a former champion cyclist and businessman, leads Active Travel England (ATE) and is at the forefront of government efforts to help people switch from car trips to healthier and more sustainable travel.
Set up in 2020 by Boris Johnson to help councils to create well-designed schemes, ATE endured a difficult time as Rishi Sunak’s government battled against bus lanes and 20mph limits as well as low-traffic neighbourhoods.
While this culture war has abated since the election, Boardman says that pushing for better walking and cycling routes remained “very politically noisy”, which could particularly put off local politicians.
Boardman is openly angry about what he sees as misleading media coverage that presents cyclists as reckless and dangerous when, in a statistic he uses regularly, more Britons are killed by cows or lightning every year than by bikes.
“At the moment we have a very consistent, non-evidence-based, negative narrative to stop any change. It is stopping people wanting to put their heads up and do difficult things,” he said in an interview.
At the age of 15, Hope secured a personal interview with Brian Facer, the then CEO of British Cycling, to ask for more resources for women in cycling. Now, at 19 and studying at the University of Birmingham, she is working with current CEO Jon Dutton towards setting up a women’s working group with the intention of getting more women involved in cycling and improving equality within the sport. She also races and has promoted a series of road races for the university.
“I love the feeling of racing, but also the incredible community at events. Cycling has taken me so many places around the UK and beyond as well as introducing me to amazing friends.”
Sir Chris Hoy is putting his faith in AI and new treatments to extend his life after receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist has been told by doctors that he has between two and four years to live after discovering he had stage four cancer.
Hoy, 48, from Edinburgh, released a memoir last month called All That Matters documenting his life since the diagnosis.
'It's bonkers': Geraint Thomas reflects on career as he bids farewell to cycling
Thomas Geraint INEOS Grenadiers, has crossed the finish line - not in Paris or on an Alpine summit - but right back where it all began, in his hometown of Cardiff, at the end of the Tour of Britain. (place 62)
The 40-year-old’s wife, Michelle, says high-speed collision with road sign left him with pericardial rupture to sac surrounding his heart, on top of broken back and ribs
The Tour is a circus and we are the clowns' -Netflix's Tour de France:Unchained to return for final season
The Pedal Club has agreed to keep a register of riders who have achieved 80/80 and this will be published on this website. An entry on the register should include a short account of the rider’s career, the ride itself and photographs. Although it appears that the 80/80 concept is a Hounslow idea, since the register is open to anyone it seems appropriate that it should be curated by a more ‘general’ organisation than a local club, but I think the Houndslow can be proud that our idea has spread its wings and gone national.
With the nation’s ageing population and the fact the next batch of new eighty year olds will be baby boomers (famous for not admitting they are too old for anything), I believe this project will have an interest for all cyclists and quite possibly for the general public.
This humble event reaches its ninetieth anniversary on the 11 th May this year when compared to more famous events our Interclub may seem like one of those
persistent weeds which the gardener can never quite eliminate. It has the unusual formula that the main award is made on the basis of the ‘Club Team Handicap’ which is intended to encourage non elite riders to compete by offering them the chance to contribute to the honour of their club.
In 2025 the term ‘handicap’ may need explanation since the concept has slipped into obscurity, although it was once important – ancient Cycling time trial results often gave more space to listing the handicap results than the actual fastest times. Older readers will have a good idea of how handicap allowances are calculated, but now it may be necessary to explain how the system works.
Entries for a handicap event need to give good information about the rider’s form and
potential. Traditionally this would include: current personal best (that is current and past three seasons), all time P.B., and last three performances at the distance entered. This info should include the winner’s time, the name of the event and the course. Why so much detail? Suppose your PB is 1.0.30, but you did this on a slow course and a bad day, coming second to a famous rider who, himself, was only a few seconds faster than you were, this will ‘damage’ your handicap much more than, say, a 59.30 on a fast course when the winner (an unknown) did a short 47! With this information the handicapper will take the fastest entrant’s time (the scratch man)and estimate how much slower he expects each of the other entrants will be; the figure hecomes to will be the rider’s handicap allowance. Now it should be clear why all that info is needed, and if the handicapper has done his work well the handicap result should be very
close. The handicap winner will be the rider who has improved the most above
expectations.
The ‘handicap club team’ is usually the best three handicap results from one club, although over the long history of the event in some years four or even five rides were
taken into account.
The early days of the Interclub are not well documented, but there is tangible evidence that the event existed as early as 1935. The original trophy for the event is a shield
This has a central plaque which has the wording: ‘ Twickenham, Harlequins, Ashford, Brentford and Hounslow CC’s, Fastest Team for 25 miles Time Trial, to be ridden for
annually’. Around the central plaque are many small shields showing the winning club foreach year with the names of the counting riders: the earliest winners are the Ashford CC in1935.
At a time when time trial entries are at a depressingly low level and when many potential competitors are content just to ride to a cafe on the grounds that they would have no chance of winning a time trial, surely it’s time to think again about putting more emphasis on handicaps. Although the Interclub 25 has always been a low key event, it is notable that it is, at the age of ninety years, still surviving when so many famous and prestigious timetrials of the past have vanished. Of the original clubs named on the shield, only the Twickenham and the Hounslow still
survive although there have been several other member clubs over the years, including Feltham, Weybridge and Westerley. Until now all the member clubs have been West London (‘H’ division), but there seems no reason to continue with this limitation and it is likely that this year the Kingston Wheelers will join the association. More new member clubs would be welcome – if your club may be interested please contact the Twickenham or Hounslow race secretaries.
Phil Liggett giving an impromptu talk on bygone TDF hero's at the VP's tea run for Finsbury Parkers
The Pedal Club has agreed to keep a register of riders who have achieved 80/80 and this will be published on this website. An entry on the register should include a short account of the rider’s career, the ride itself and photographs. Although it appears that the 80/80 concept is a Hounslow idea, since the register is open to anyone it seems appropriate that it should be curated by a more ‘general’ organisation than a local club, but I think the Houndslow can be proud that our idea has spread its wings and gone national.
With the nation’s ageing population and the fact the next batch of new eighty year olds will be baby boomers (famous for not admitting they are too old for anything), I believe this project will have an interest for all cyclists and quite possibly for the general public.
