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Mildenhall Cycling Club have created a new category of membership so that they can pay tribute to Victoria Pendleton after winning the Women's Sprint Gold medal in this years Beijing Olympics.

Members voted unanimously at their recent AGM to create Gold, Silver and Bronze Honorary categories that will be awarded based on outstanding National or International achievement and that Victoria should be the first ever recipient of the Gold award.

"All our members felt we had to do something to honour her phenomenal achievement. Due to the introduction of BMX as an Olympic sport, Victoria had just one shot at Gold, with her other preferred event, the Women's 500m time trial dropped", explains committee member, Mark Burchett.

"Adding even more pressure on Victoria was the fact that she had to watch and wait while the rest of her team not only competed but were winning medal after medal. But she responded in the only way she knows how, leading from the front looking so cool and relaxed in that Beijing final."

"In the qualifying round the 27-year-old broke the Olympic record and was the only rider inside 11 seconds with a time of 10.963 seconds, just short of her PB. At every stage of the competition she never looked troubled by any of her opponents. Not even the sight of an old adversary Anna Mears (Australia) in the final could thwart her. The Australian had no answer at all for GB's Queen of the track!"

This accolade will be in addition to the Mildenhall Club making her an honorary member in 2005. That came in recognition of her becoming a World Champion for the first time.

"Her success demonstrates that with the right support and not to mention sufficient financial back through Lottery funding that British Cycling has used so effectively, what can be achieved."
"All of that though counts for nothing, unless you have the necessary skill as well that inner desire to succeed whatever the cost in terms of personal sacrifices. She is already an inspiration to so many and with arguably her best years as a sprinter still to come, she is set to be a cycling icon not only until the 2012 London Olympics, but beyond as well." added Mark.

Mildenhall Cycling Club is now recognised by British Cycling, the sport's governing body, as a Go-Ride Club, which means that they have trained coaches and a development programme aimed at improving both young riders and the club. More information about Go-Ride can be found on www.go-ride.org.uk .

At the Club's recent AGM members of Mildenhall CC agreed to increase the rates of membership. However, in conjunction with the Mildenhall Club's Go-Ride programme they agreed to freeze the Juvenile rates at just £4.00, so it doesn't deter the under 16's from joining the Club.

In recognition of the ever-growing number of older members they introduced a new category of membership for the Over 60's. They will pay the same rate as Junior members (16/17) of £9.00.

For more details of membership of the Club click here

Mark Burchett

Members from Mildenhall and Maldon and District Cycling Club's joined forces on Sunday for a bumper club-run out to the Mildenhall Club's Annual Hill Climb Championship.

The invitation to the members of the Essex based Club came about after they expressed their interest in repairing the Mildenhall Club's set of competition rollers. As regular attendees at the Mildenhall Cycling Rally, organised by Mildenhall CC, the 'MAD' cyclists missed the very exciting roller racing competitions that used to be held at the Rally.

Pictured left are over 20 members of both clubs outside Mildenhall's Wamil Way clubroom before they set out on the ten-mile ride to Moulton. Included in the group are three generations of the Bowers family with Dave and Viv, their son Marc (leaning on the handlebars) and his son Frank in the cycle trailer!

As well as riding out to Primrose Hill, three members from the Maldon Club also took part in the Hill Climb competition, with Mark Beattie proving to be fastest up the hill completely wining the event in 1 minute 54.4 seconds. Together with Mildenhall's Max Pendleton they were the only two riders to ride inside 2 minutes.

Afterwards they returned to Mildenhall to enjoy a buffet lunch prepared by Mildenhall's Mandy Cook, whose industry in the kicthen prevented her from joining in the ride!

Maldon and District CC's Paul Gregory said "Despite the long drive the Maldon members enjoyed the day and are equally keen on what we are trying to achieve. Having enjoyed 20+ year's at your Rally it would bring us a great deal of satisfaction to be able to put something back."

Mark Burchett for the Mildenhall Club said " We very much appreciate the interest and enthusiasm that Maldon and District CC have already shown in restoring our competition rollers back to their former glory. Inviting them to our clubroom and provide them with lunch was the very least we could do. We are very excited that our rollers may once be used competitively and wait to see how they get on over the winter months."

Mark Burchett

Victoria Pendleton has taken her cycling career to new heights today by becoming the Women's Olympic Sprint Champion. She underlined her status as the current World Champion by taking honours without appearing to even break into a sweat!

"She absolutely blew away her opponent and old adversary Anna Mears (Australia). Even though Mears had the disadvantage of her semi-final clash with Chinese rider Shuang Guo going to three energy sapping heats, she had no answer at all for GB's Queen of the track!" said Mark Burchett on behalf of the Club.

In the qualifying round on Sunday, the 27 year old, broke the Olympic record and was the only rider inside 11 seconds with a time of 10.963 seconds, just short of her PB.

"In a phenomenal games for the GB cycling team, Victoria has had to watch and wait while the rest of her team not only competed but were winning medal after medal. Despite this pressure she looked so cool and relaxed lining up in the Beijing final." Mark added.

She has added the Women's Sprint Gold from the Beijing Olympics to an already impressive CV of Women's World Sprint Champion in 2005, 2007 and 2008, Women's World Team Sprint Champion in 2007 and 2008, Women's World Keirin Champion in 2007 and Commonwealth Games (Melbourne) Women's Sprint Champion in 2006.

Chairman of the Cycling Club, Barry Archer, said "I'm over the moon for her, she deserves it all! She's put in the hard work over these past few years and this is the one that she really wanted."

"Everyone at Mildenhall Cycling Club is so proud of her. She was made an Honorary member of the Mildenhall Club in 2005 in recognition of becoming the Women's World Sprint Champion for the first time in 2005. The Club, will over the next few weeks, be looking at the best way to mark the latest achievement in her fantastic cycling career so far." says Mark.

More details can be found on the British Cycling website and on the BBC Look East website

Mark Burchett

Members of Mildenhall Cycling Club took their Go-Ride course to the town's Jubilee Fields on Saturday. They were one of many community organisations taking part in Forest Heath District Council's Lark in Park day.

Under the guidance of newly qualified Go-Ride coach, Lucy Waller (pictured right testing the course), local children who brought their cycles could test themselves on a course that teaches ability, co-ordination and awareness of what's around them, while at the same time enjoying themselves.

As well as the children, they also attracted the Wasp mascot from the West Anglia Sports Partnership, as well as the Clown, to the obstacle course, as can be seen below.

They also promoted their forthcoming Mildenhall Cycling Rally, which will take place over the August Bank-Holiday weekend (23-25th August) at the Riverside Middle School.

Dave Bowers (pictured right) of Mildenhall Cycling Club got a huge surprise at the weekend when he attended a Club reunion.

It had been promoted as a reunion to mark the Club's 55th year, but in one of the best-kept secrets ever, everyone else attending knew there was another reason they were really there. It was to mark the fantastic achievement of Dave's 50th consecutive years of membership of the Mildenhall Club.

Organiser of the reunion, Mark Burchett said "Dave really had no idea at all what was going on until I made the presentation to him! It was an absolute honour for me to present Dave with a 'This is Your Life' book."

"Included in it is a foreword written by double World Champion Track cyclist and honorary member of our Club, having been a member in her younger days, Victoria Pendleton. Dave read this moving piece out in front of everyone and towards the end he struggled to do so as his emotions began to get the better of him."

"The beautifully bound 'red' book covers not just Dave's 50 years with our Club, but his formative years as well. I couldn't have put the book together however, without the help of members and friends of Dave and especially his wife, Viv. She has been invaluable in piecing together Dave's life story and obtaining, without Dave's knowledge, photographs and memorabilia to add to this fascinating story. But whoever I spoke to, as I researched Dave's life, only ever had kind words," he added.

In true 'This is Your Life' fashion, there were a few surprise guests introduced at the presentation too. Mark explains "During the 1960's Dave was part of a band called The Fugitives and we were successful in getting all but one of the group back together, with brothers Dave Reeve from Mildenhall and Richard from Lakenheath, as well drummer George Hemsby from Mildenhall there to share in the celebrations"

The Fugitives (pictured right), back together again, well for a photo-shoot anyway! From top to bottom is lead singer Dave Bowers, guitarist Dave Reeve, drummer George Hemsby and guitarist Richard 'Dick' Reeve.

Dave even recognised Johann Strauss' 'Rudetzky March, which is the theme tune used by FFN Lincoln section (Feucht Frohliche Neustadter), a brother group of the wine-appreciation society based in Lincoln's twin town of Neustadt-an-der-Weinstrasse, in the Rhineland Pfalz region of Germany. Mark explained "It was through their Vice-President Dennis Borman when he was officiating at the Club's Dairytime Gala's and Mildenhall Cycling Rally grass-track meetings, that members including Dave and Viv, participated in their wine tasting evenings. Dennis, who Dave hadn't seen for over 15 years, walked into the Hall, wearing his FNN blazer with a bottle of Red wine and two celebration glasses as a gift for Dave."

Afterwards Dave said, " I had absolutely no idea. Although thinking back it does explain one or two things that at the time I didn't think anything of. I came home one day and all my old cycling photographs were out across the bed. I can't remember what Viv said at the time but I obviously believed her!"

There was a buffet cooked and prepared by members of Mildenhall Cycling Club that also included a specially decorated cake made by Jean Cornell, who together with her husband Tony, are long-time friends of Dave and Viv and who were also there to share in the celebrations.

Before the afternoon ended there was a further surprise for Dave as he was given a specially commissioned birthday card organised by Jean Poole that was signed by everyone at the reunion, for his 64th birthday on Monday (30th June).

Honorary member George Wadman, from Leicestershire, was full of praise of his former club-mate from the 1960's, saying "As Bowersy said to me, 'I don't see myself in that way' - that is being a mainstay of the Club and I (and I'm sure many others) told him that it's how others see him. The 'honour' is well deserved."

"As a club and committee, we just couldn't let this magnificent feat go unrecognised and what better way to celebrate it but with current & ex-members and his close friends," added Mark Burchett. There were over 90 people present in the new and well-equipped West Row Village Hall and with so many current & ex-members present it was also a wonderful opportunity for them to reminisce about their cycling experiences.

In the morning there was a clubrun that was one of the best attended for a long while and it was very fitting that Dave Bowers was the runs leader. Ex-members Andy West, Dave Baldock, Bryan Colbourne and Adrian Rochford joined Dave's son Marc with his grandson Frank in a cycle-trailer, Richard Carrington with his son James also in a trailer, John Freiyer, chairman Barry 'Sturmey' Archer, as well as Lucy and Andrew Waller with their children Matthew in a child seat and Emily on the back of a tandem respectively.

For the complete picture gallery click here

The club invites children of Middle School age interested in cycling to participate in fun bike handling sessions, to initiate their Go Ride scheme. The sessions are to be held on Mondays 30th June and 7th, 14th July 6.30-8.00pm.

Riders are asked to meet at Mildenhall CC club room, next to the cricket club off Wamil Way by 6.15pm. The actual sessions will take place on Riverside Sports field. Participants should bring a bike, helmet and drink and wear appropriate clothing. A parental consent form will need to be completed at the first session.

There will be a charge of £3 per session for non-club members. To confirm a place or for further information please contact Barry Archer 01842 861743 or Lucy Waller 01638 552361.

The club is also holding a come and try it mini Go Ride course for all ages at Lark in the Park on Jubilee Fields from 10-4 on Saturday 12th July. Participants will need to bring their own bike and helmet. Information will also be available on the Mildenhall Rally on 23-25th August.

Mildenhall Cycling Club have an indirect link with an event that's about to happen in America. The RAAM (Ride Across America) is an endurance event of the utmost kind, with cyclists either in teams or as a solo riding from coast to coast.

Nicola, one time member of our Club and daughter of Max Pendleton, is part of the support crew helping Jim Rees attempt the Solo event for the second year running. In June 2007 he completed the ride from San Diego to Atlantic City. This year the ride starts in Lake Henshaw, California and finishes 3008.45 miles later in Annapolis, Maryland. He is using it to raise money for charity and this year, the very worthwhile cause is the Bobby Moore Fund. Jim has founded Team Inspiration to demonstrate that we are all "Built for Greatness" and more information about his ride can be found on their website.

More information about the RAAM can be found on the official website

Mildenhall Cycling Club have teamed up with web comparison site 'ecomparison'. They are providing a sponsored link for the next year to ecomparison's Gear Zone site, where they provide an easy way to compare the prices of any outdoor clothing and equipment.

Mildenhall Cycling Club are to hold an informal reunion to mark its 55th year. The mini-reunion will take place at West Row village hall on Sunday 29th June 12 noon - 5pm.

After the Club's highly successful golden jubilee celebrations in 2003, the Club's committee realised there are a large number of ex-members especially who have a very close affinity for Mildenhall Cycling Club. With this in mind they are keen to continue and foster that special relationship by holding informal get together.

Before then reunion, there will be a gentle club-run in the morning starting and finishing at the West Row Village Hall between 10am and 12noon.

Anybody ever connected with Mildenhall Cycling Club, is very welcome to attend the Reunion. For more details, or tickets priced at £5 for Adults (under 16 are free) please contact Mark Burchett, 97 Codling Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. IP32 7HE; or by email click here

Victoria Pendleton produced an outstanding display of track cycling to win the Women's World Sprint title for the third time in four years. This was just one of many medal winning rides by the Great Britain team at the World Championships in Manchester last week, where they took more medals than any other Country ever at a World Championship.

The Honorary member cruised through qualification on the Friday and provided the group of members from Mildenhall in the National Cycling Centre crowd to some enthralling racing on the Saturday on the way to the final. In the final she beat Simona Krupeckaite of Lithuania 2-0.

In the first heat she went to the front with a lap to go and just powered away from the Lithuanian to ease over the finishing line over half a length ahead. In the second heat Krupeckaite made sure Pendleton couldn't use the same tactic and it was her that took the front with a lap to go. As they came out of the back straight Pendleton was well adrift, but in that final third produced a storming finish to amazingly beat the Lithunian by half a length again.

The victorious World Champion on her victory lap right and left captured with adoring Dad Max (also a member of Mildenhall CC.)

She also set a new new national & stadium (Manchester) record of 10.904 seconds (The World Record is 10.831) in the first qualification round.

Jennie Reed of the USA who took the bronze medal, was to cruelly pip Pendleton the following day to the Gold medal in the Women's Kierin in an incredibly tight finish! On day 2 Pendleton had successfully defended the Womens Team Sprint title with Shanaze Reade beating the Chinese pair of Jinjie Gong and Lulu Zheng.

More reaction and pictures from the World Championships are on British Cycling's website - click here

Victoria Pendleton's preparation for next year's Olympics stepped up a gear racing in the latest round of the UCI World Cup track events, in the stadium in Beijing that will be the venue for the track cycling at the 2008 Olympics.

The World Sprint Champion eased her way through to the final of the Women's Sprint where she faced one of her old adversaries, Natalia Tsylinkskaya (Belarus). In the final she lost two rides to nil.

Although it won't be included in the Olympics, the Women's 500 metre Time-Trial, saw Victoria ride in excess of 51 km/h to record a time of 34.894 seconds finishing in sixth place.

On the final day of competition Victoria looked on course to take the Gold in the Women's Keirin until a crash in the final left all but one rider on the boards. Fortunately, she only suffered minor grazes and bruising.

There is a full round-up of all the action and results from the Beijing Track World Cup on British Cycling's website - click here

Mildenhall Cycling Club announce the first agreement of its kind in the Club's history, with Shopzilla - an online retail comparison site.

The agreement see the Club, in return for an undisclosed sum, placing links to Shopzilla's cycling sections on both of it's websites, www.mildenhallcc.org.uk and www.mildenhallrally.org.uk. The UK site, part of the American company, compares the prices of 3.3 million products from 6,897 stores.

Chairman Richard Carrington reported "As another club year drawers to a close, we have again seen considerable success by some competitive club members.

"Significantly, it was two of our youngest club members, Matt Cook and Will Adams who excelled themselves with strong performances both at home and overseas. Matt and Will participated in the International Youth Tour, a six day event in Holland that included time trials, track racing, circuit races, and a road race and proudly finished as members of the winning team. In September, they took part in the GHS National 10 mile time trial championships, noted as the premier time trial event for under 16’s. Again both turned in strong performances with Matt finishing 3rd in his age group with a personal best time of 24.40, Will, a newcomer to time trials finished 5th in his age group. Both are excellent prospects for the clubs future.

"Moving up the age scale, Max Pendleton competed in the National Masters Track Championships, securing two gold medals in his age group in the Points and Scratch Race disciplines, with both victories gained in some style.

"Not to be out done, Honorary club member Victoria Pendleton continued her success on the international stage. Our former World Sprint Champion secured two medals at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, a gold in the sprint and a silver in the 500 metre time trial - an event in which she broke the commonwealth record, only to be pipped by arch rival Anna Meares.

"Moving closer to home, the club continued its programme of events with mixed success. The off road series continued to be very popular, with some events again combined with Jerry Turner's Tuesday evening series creating increased numbers of competitors. Disappointingly, the Evening Time Trial Series, a former focal point for many club members and grass roots competitors saw dwindling numbers, and we have included this topic for discussion later in the meeting. Membership numbers have remained constant with new potential members demonstrating interest at the rally.

"As I stated last year, we are one of a tiny number of British clubs to have the benefit of our own clubroom, providing a meeting point, storage facilities and fitness equipment that is available for all club members. The committee plans to undertake some refurbishment of the bar area over the winter months.

"The rally continued to be the pinnacle of club achievement. The extensive range of activities and promotions again included two National Grass Track championships, duathlon for senior and youth competitors, audax rides, quiz evening, and trade promotions amongst many other events. As a point of interest, as of last week the Rally Website had 28 thousand+ visitors, a statistic that speaks for itself. At this stage it appears uncertain as to the ongoing impact of the proposed housing development on land adjacent to the Riverside School venue. The rally report to follow shortly will update us further on rally matters.

"As ever I would like to acknowledge the help and support of club members and friends over the last 12 months. In particular, the Rally committee for making it happen, the club committee for keeping club matters in order, and to Barry for his continued work as treasurer, Mark for upkeep of the websites and many mailshots and Jim for looking after the newsletter.

"Finally, as I advised the committee earlier this month, I wish to stand down in 12 months time, unless further candidates are proposed at this meeting. I hope that in the meantime we can find candidates to take over this position and that of secretary, which has been vacant for some time now."

Victoria Pendleton has become the first ever member of Mildenhall Cycling Club to win a Commonwealth Games Gold medal.

The World Ladies Sprint Champion saw off strong Australian competition to beat them in their own backyard to take the honours in what is her premier event - the Ladies Sprint. She saw off Anna Mears in an exciting final that produced some phenomenal sprinting. Anna Mears had beaten her sister Kerrie on the way to the final. Pictured right is Victoria sandwiched between the Mear's sisters.

On Thursday she had broken the Commonwealth Games record in the 500m time-trial, which her rival Anna Mears had to then break to claim the Gold Medal, leaving Pendleton still a very worthy Silver Medal winner! Pictured below right is Victoria proudly displaying her silver medal.

Victoria's achievements prove just what hard work, dedication and lottery funding if used in the right way can achieve and she fully deserves all the success that is now coming her way.

Full details and pictures are on British Cycling's website.

Click here for the report of her Gold medal winning ride

Click here for the report on her Silver medal ride

Pictures courtesy of British Cycling.

Exactly a month after Victoria broke the British Women's 1km Track Record, she has claimed an even bigger prize in the UCI World Track Championships, held in Los Angeles. Victoria, picture right at Mildenhall's Mildenhall Cycling Rally, claimed the Rainbow jersey in her favourite event - the Women's Sprint.

Her very proud father, Max, takes up the story. On Saturday Morning Mildenhall time (Sunday evening in Los Angeles) Victoria Pendleton riding for Great Britain finally put behind her her own disappointment from the Athens Olympics by becoming the first female Great Britain World Track Champion since Beryl Burton in 1966.

In her favorite sprint discipline Victoria moved through her matches from a relatively low 11th place seeding established through riding a 200m time trial). On the way she beat the 6th seed Willy Kanis of Netherlands, and Shuang Gao of China before meeting the Olympic 500m champion Anna Meares of Australia in the semi finals.

Anna Meares is a riders Pendleton had not previously beaten, however after the usual Meares sisters aggressive tactical rides Victoria won the first and third rides of three to move forward to the final with Tamillia Abassova of Russia; who had beaten the other Meares sister Keri in her route to the final. Abassova as the overall World Cup winner, and a rider whose riding style had previously had Victoria in hospital, was not an opponent to be taken lightly, however, Pendleton made relatively easy work of the first match after diving down the track's banking inside the Russian then holding her off by almost a full length to the line. The second heat turned into a drag race with both riders side by side. Victoria crossed the line with half a wheel to spare making her the 2005 World Sprint Champion.

In addition to the sprint Pendleton also came 5th in the 500m Time Trial and 10th in the Keirin (a race motor paced until 600m to the finish when 6 riders compete to win)

All the details of the World Champships are on British Cycling's website.

Taken from British Cycling's website.

Victoria Pendleton, pictured right, made an attack on the British women’s 1 km track record, currently held by Sally Boyden in a time of 1.14.18 (set in 1995). The women usually race over 500m in competition, so it is slightly unusual to race over the four-lap distance. Pendleton already holds the British record for both the 200m and 50m distances, of course.

Pendleton got off to a technically perfect start as the crowd got solidly and vocally behind her. She rode evenly and consistently to cross the line in a new record time of 1:10.854, taking three and a half seconds off the previous record to a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.

This year's annual luncheon will take place next door to the Mildenhall Club's headquarters at the Mildenhall Cricket Club, Wamil Way, Mildenhall.

Date: 20th February

Time: 12.30 for 1.00pm

Prices: Adults £13.00 - Children £9.00

No of places: Limited to 50 places

Bookings: Contact Harvey Wright

Bring your own wine/alcohol

Last weekend Riding in the Track World Championships in Melbourne, Persil Professional Cyclist and Mildenhall Cycling Club member; Victoria Pendleton booked her place to the Athens Olympics. Victoria was already equal first in the Women's Sprint World Cup after the last round of the competition three weeks ago at Sydney, but needed to be placed in the first 10 of the World Championships to be guaranteed a seat to Athens. Pendleton competes in two disciplines the 500m time trial and the sprint. In the time trial Victoria was 10th with a time of 35.3 seconds for the standing start sprint discipline, however this was following her efforts in the previous two days in the sprint competition.

In cycle sprint racing seeding is decided by riding a flying start 200m time trial. Victoria recorded 11.559 (38.8 mph) to the fastest ride of Svetlana Grankovskaya, the defending World Champion's 11.339, this gave Victoria a seeding of 8th. In the rounds that followed Pendleton eliminated Yvonne Hijgenaar of Holland, Clara Sanches of France and finally 2002 World Champion Natalia Tsylinskaya of Belorussia. This left Pendleton in the last 4. Her next ride was against the defending champion Grankovskaya, Victoria was beaten in the first of the best of three rides by half a bike length and in the second ride was relegated after a 'coming together' when Victoria was judged (correctly) to be in the wrong. This left Victoria to ride off against one of her Swiss based training partners, Lori Ann Muenzer of Canada for the bronze medal. Victoria was narrowly beaten in both rides. Thus her final place was 4th in the 2004 World Championships, exactly the same position as 2003!

The result confirmed that Great Britain has for the first time got a true World-Class Women's sprinter. With a ride at Athens now guaranteed Victoria's 7 times world champion coach will be focusing their joint efforts on the small improvement necessary to secure a medal at Athens. Mind you so will all the other key women in this most specialised of disciplines.

Her father, Max gives a little insight into what is involved in achieving world standard in sprint cycling. Victoria's regime consists of 2 or 3 sessions each day; five and a half days a week. These sessions can be with free weights in a Gym, where she squats up to 120 Kg (she weights 60 Kg), road sessions of 3 hours in the mountains around her Swiss training camp and speed sessions (often motor-cycle paced) on the Aigle cycle track. After the Olympics Victoria will return to the UK, probably based in Manchester for the National Championships in October (where she will be defending three of her four National titles) before starting the 2004/2005 World Cup series that starts in November.

There is also an in-depth interview with Victoria on British Cycling's website.

Mildenhall Cycling Club promote their annual open time-trial on Saturday 5th June 2004. Following the success of last year's Circuit Time-Trial to celebrate the Club's 50th Year they will once again be running the event on a circuit and one very similar to last year's route. Due to errors in the CTT handbook and website, the Club wish to clarify the details of their open event:

Headquarters: Ashley Village Hall/Pavilion.

Course: Ashley - Newmarket - Saxon Street - Kirtling - Upend - Ashley

Distance: 1 lap 10.8 miles for all catagories. 1st rider off at 2pm.

Closing Date:

If you require any further assistance please contact Mandy Cook, organiser on 01842 890721 or email

Stotfold cyclist and Second-Claim member of Mildenhall C.C. Victoria Pendleton last weekend moved one step closer to qualification for the Olympic Games in Athens. Victoria, a current British Champion over four disciplines rode in the first round of the UCI World Cup in Moscow in three events. In two she succeeded in achieving qualification for the 2004 World Championships when points awarded for her placings are added to the 4th and 7th places she gained in the 2003 World Championships.

In the Sprint, Pendleton qualified 7th fastest in the seeding time trial over 200m, completing the distance in 11.38 seconds, a speed of just over 39mph! Victoria proceeded through the next two rounds with comparative ease to meet 2002 World Champion Svetlana Grankovskaia in the last four. Victoria was beaten in two rides and thus went to the 3rd / 4th place ride off with Tamilia Abossova of Russia. Victoria lost these two rides, leaving her 4th in the competition. However the points she gained will qualify her along with her fourth place in the 2003 World Championship for the 2004 Worlds.

In her next event, a 500m sprint time trial Victoria recorded 35.594 seconds (31.5 mph with a standing start) to come 6th to World Champion Natallia Tsylinskaya of Belaruse. The time gap of 0.765 of a second was the closest that Pendleton has yet come to Tsylinskaya and bodes well for the future. Again the points awarded with those from Stuttgart World Championships in 2003 mean that Victoria has now qualified for the 'Worlds' in Melbourne in May.

The final event was a 10km scratch race, here Victoria was sitting perfectly with 600 meters to go on the wheel of the eventual winner, a rider Pendleton can easily outsprint, when one of a number of fallers behind her fell across her back wheel forcing her off the track. With only 600 m left to go there was no way to recover and Victoria finished 18th, though with all her skin in tact. This result is a pity, as a place in the first 4 would have secured another squad place for the 10K at the Worlds.

The method of selection for the Olympics is based on the degree of success in the World Championships, which is in itself dependent on success in World Cup events (4 in all). Pendleton and her ex world champion coach, Frederick Magne, in Switzerland had decided that Victoria should only ride two World Cups, Moscow and Manchester with the Melbourne Worlds as the next target before Athens. Her father and member of Mildenhall C.C. Max says "At this point in time all seems to be going to plan. Training continues in Aigle, Switzerland at the World Cycle Center Monday afternoon.

There is also an in-depth interview with Victoria on British Cycling's website.

15th February 2004

Previous chairman thanked for his work

Ian Poole, who stepped down as Chairman last October, has been thanked for his efforts during in his tenure.

He was replaced by Vera Staines who made a presentation to Ian at Sunday's Eastern Cyclo-Cross League award ceremony held at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich.

He recveived an engraved glass trophy and a tie woven with cycles.

Dominic Sweeney (Lutterworth Cycle Centre) heads the list of leading riders looking to scoop the £75 Senior First Prize in Saturday's Portaramp Celebration Circuit Time-Trial. The Leicestershire based rider will face stiff competition from local riders Martin Pyne (Anglia Velo), Bobby De'ath (CC Breckland), Steve Peck (Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club) and Paul Russell (Wisbech Wheelers), who will all be looking to claim their share of the total prize list of over £500.

The event, promoted by Mildenhall Cycling Club as part of its 50th year celebrations, is based on a 13-mile circuit from Barrow, south of Bury St Edmunds. Seniors and Veterans will complete two laps, with the Ladies and Juniors' doing one circuit of the hilly and testing course.

"We have worked hard on trying to make the event appeal to more than just the competing cyclists. One of the added interests for the spectators as well as the riders, is the prime at Ousden Hill. The £25 prize will be awarded to the rider to reach the top of the hill in the quickest time from the race start" said Mark Burchett on behalf of the Club.

That start will be from a 'Tour de France' style ramp, donated by event sponsors Thetford ramp manufacturer Portaramp, from outside the Three Horseshoes Pub in Barrow. The results will be displayed on a high-tech plasma screen in the race headquarters at Barrow Primary School. This has been made possible by the generous support from the Bury Free Press, Gipping Press from Needham Market and Bussens & Parkin of Mildenhall.

The full course leaves Barrow on the Higham road, before turning left to Gazeley. From Gazeley the riders go through Dalham and onto Ousden where they will have to tackle the 1-in-5 climb. From Ousden the circuit returns to Barrow, via Hargrave. The first rider, Justin Wallace (West Suffolk Wheelers) is off at 2.31pm with the last rider expected to finish at approximately 5pm. Spectators are very welcome to watch at any point around the circuit, although the Ousden Hill offers the best vantage point!

This is the first public event of the Mildenhall Club's Golden Jubilee celebrations and is followed by the highlight of 2003 - a Reunion for anyone ever associated with the Club the week after, on Sunday 8th June at the Riverside Hotel. Details of all the activities taking place this year can be found on the Club's website at www.mildenhallcc.org.uk, including how to buy your ticket for the Reunion, priced at £12.50 each, which are still available." Added Mark Burchett.

END.

TO GET THE FULL START SHEET CLICK HERE

NOTES FOR EDITORS.
· The raised ramp start gives an unusual opportunity to photograph time-trialling. Riders start at one-minute intervals between 2.31pm and 3.51pm, with the last rider expected to finish at approx. 5pm.
· Mildenhall CC caters for all cyclists of all ages and abilities and has it own purpose built clubroom in Wamil Way, Mildenhall.

24th May 2003

Members and friends of Mildenhall Cycling Club gathered at the Worlington Hall Hotel on Saturday evening. It is the first event of the year being used to mark this special year in the Club's history - 50 years since it was formed.

Rider of the year was Keith Richardson who collected most of the top awards, although he lost out to Larry Moulton and Harvey Wright in the Club's Super Champion. This competition is for the rider that excels most in all of the club's events.

There was a special presentation made for Victoria Pendleton, who broke two National Ladies Records on the track. With Victoria attending the World Track training camp in Switzerland, her father received the two framed certificates, awarded by the sports governing body British Cycling - formerly the British Cycling Federation.

For a full run down on who won what see the Awards section.

9th February 2003

Mildenhall Cycling Club have confirmed the details of the events planned to celebrate their Golden Jubilee with a Reunion in June the highlight of a packed year.

"The town's Riverside Hotel has been booked on Sunday 8th June 2003 for the exclusive use of our current as well as ex-members to exchange and reminisce about their cycling experiences. We also plan to display photographs charting the Club's history as well as a collection of the Club colours and jersey's used over the years" outlined Club spokesman Mark Burchett.

During the Club's first fifty years there have been nearly 340 people who at some point have been members. The current members, led by founding member and now a Vice-President Alan Thompson from West Row, have had a fantastic response in their search to contact the ex-members, including Donny Clarke who has been tracked down to Western Australia and who has already booked his hotel for the reunion. The Club have also been helped by publicity from the media with notable successes including Doug Ward from Chard, Somerset who responded to a feature in Cycling Weekly and Dave Baldock from Lowestoft (BBC Radio Suffolk), while Wally Allsop from Luton and Titch Powell from Isleham were both reunited with the Club after reading the Bury Free Press.

As well as the reunion, the Club is also aiming to get as many members as possible to ride one of the Charity rides held locally. The Club's annual Mildenhall Cycling Rally will host the National 8km Grass-Track Championships and the organisers are looking at holding other events to mark the Club's special year.

There will be the Half-Century Charity Ride on Sunday 21st September offering cyclists of all ages and abilities the choice of either an off-road 50km or 25km on-road routes. This event will be run by the organisers of the very successful Bury Bike Ride, with all the monies raised going to their chosen charities. (SGR Operation Santa, MacMillian Nurses and East Anglian Children's Hospice - EACH).

The Club is currently working on a booklet chronicling the Club's history, which is expected to be published after Easter. Although next month's Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation (8th February) will be rewarding members for their efforts during the 2002 season, it will get the 50th year off in style.

There are still nearly a hundred ex-members to trace and anyone that hasn't been written to by the Club, can contact Alan Thompson on 01638 713556 for further details of the Golden Jubilee events, including the reunion. Details of all the events planned to mark the Club's 50th year will soon be available on the Club's website at http://www.mildenhallcc.org.uk, where there will also be an email link to register your interest in the Reunion.

5th January 2003

Mildenhall Cycling Club are planning a series of events to mark its 50th anniversary next year.

The highlight will be the Reunion on Sunday 8th June of all current and ex-members. The Club are attempting to contact over 300 people who have at some point in the last 50 years been a member of this successful club. Already one such rider has been traced to Australia and has booked his flight back to the UK for the reunion!

If you would like details of this event or can help trace anyone please contact Mark Burchett. The Club will make an announcement in the New Year, once the full details have been confirmed.

9th December 2002

Mildenhall Cycling Club's Victoria Pendleton has been selected to ride in the World Championships, which take place at Ballerup, 15 miles from Copenhagen, Denmark. She was chosen ahead of another promising rising lady talent, Denise Hampson.

She travelled to Copenhagen on Tuesday, along with her new Lottery Funded (as featured on Tomorrow's World) £12,000 frame. He father Max commented "she rode it for the first time last week in her final speed preparation at Manchester, where she was clocked in motor paced sprints at 45 mph. In other words she should be able to stay with anyone, getting by though may be a little more difficult!"

Victoria, who finished fifth in the 2002 Womens Track Series, will go through the selection process for the World Class Performance Programme for 2003 in November, which will be a series of meetings and interviews.

Victoria is currently in Denmark and returns on Saturday. She will then join up with her Dad Max to travel to Melbourne on Monday where Max will be riding the World Masters Games. He says "The intention is to improve on my 5th in the 55-59 age group sprint at the World Cycling Masters at Manchester last week."

25th September 2002

Mildenhall`s Victoria Pendleton just missed out on a bronze medal in the Women's Sprint tonight at the Velodrome in Manchester.

The talented track rider eased through the quarter-finals by beating fellow Briton Melanie Szubrycht with times of 12.391 and 12.798 seconds respectively in both sprints, to set up a semi-final meeting with Australian Kerrie Mears. She was unable to reproduce those excellent times, with the Australian posting times of 12.665 and 12.617 seconds.

Victoria, pictured left at the Manchester Velodrome, was then beaten in the bronze medal ride-off by Anna Mears, sister of Silver medallist Kerrie, with times very close to what she herself had recorded in her successful quarter-final rides!

Canadian Lori-Ann Muenzer claimed the Gold medal after beating Anna Mears with rides under twelve seconds.

For all the cycling results at the Commonwealth Games click here.

1st August 2002

Mildenhall track cyclist Victoria Pendleton this week joined the England squad at the at the Commonwealth Games Village at Manchester ready for her rides in the 500m sprint time trial and the Women's Track Sprint. She will be riding on 28th July and the 30th & 31st July.

Victoria has just returned from a four-week session of sprint training on three German tracks. This was initially on the 333m Cottbus concrete track and then on the 250m Berlin wood velodrome and finally Buttgen where she has been competing in the European Espoirs (under 23) Championships.

21 year old Victoria who has just received her B Sc Honours degree from the University of Northumbria has been a National Squad Athlete for the whole of 2002 at a basic level of funding. However in the past two months, coincidentally as her studies have ceased, she has been going ever faster. A month ago she equalled the British record held by Julie Paulding for 500m, and over 200m she is within .2 of a second of the British record. The two times above are qualifying rides for 'level C' funding in the World Class Performance Program and will allow the full time training that competition at world level demands.

Immediately after the Commonwealth Games Victoria will be travelling to China to compete in the final round of the Track World Cup. Her rides could qualify her for the World Championships to be held in Copenhagen in September.

The above is rather far flung from Mildenhall, however Victoria will be defending her 800m National Grass Track Title at Mildenhall Rally on the 24th August 2002.

22nd July 2002

Like last year, there's to be an ITV Tour highlights programme once a week (post midnight, natch) reports Bikebiz.co.uk. To watch the daily live ITV2 coverage - including voiceovers from contract-tied Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen - UK viewers will need cable, satellite or digital terrestial tellies.

ITV2 was launched in 1998 and is an entertainment channel aimed at a younger audience. It is available free on digital cable and digital terrestrial TV and usually expands on the offerings from terrestial ITV1. The ITV2 live coverage is extensive: 52 hours of it. The programme is produced by Venner TV, the same company that used to produce the much-beloved Channel 4 nightly highlights programme.

Fronting the coverage is Gary Imlach. This year he gets to travel to France for the duration of the Tour. For the ITV1 highlights programme last year he flew out each week to do an intro, and for the final stage was said to be in Paris but, in fact, was filmed by some bushes in Hyde Park, London.

When Channel 4 ditched its TdF coverage in preference to cricket, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen were snatched up until 2005 by OLN, the Canandian cable channel. However, the pair will provide voiceovers for the ITV2 coverage.

The ITV deal is a three year contract, with ITV being licensed by Channel 4 for the coverage. In 2000, Channel 4 signed a five year contract with the European Broadcast Union, which is assigned the TV rights to the Tour by organiser Amaury Sport Organisations.

The ITV2 TdF schedule is:

• Saturday 6 July 4.30 – 6.30pm
• Sunday 7 July 2.15 – 4.35pm
• Monday 8 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Tuesday 9 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Weds 10 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Thursday 11 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Friday 12 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Saturday 13 July 3.25 – 4.30pm
• Sunday 14 July 2.15 – 4.35pm
• Monday 15 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Weds 17 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Thursday 18 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Friday 19 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Saturday 20 July 3.25 – 4.30pm
• Sunday 21 July 2.15 – 4.35pm
• Tuesday 23 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Weds 24 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Thursday 25 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Friday 26 July 1.35 – 4.30pm
• Saturday 27 July 3.25 – 4.30pm
• Sunday 28 July 2.15 – 4.35pm

As well as highlights programmes each evening (apart from rest days) on ITV2, ITV1 has highlight programmes every Monday from July 8 at 12.30am.

Tim Hughes has died of a heart attack and is to be buried tomorrow at Mansfield Crematorium, Nottinghamshire. As well as a former editor of the CTC's popular bi-monthly magazine, he had also been a CTC National Councillor.

Tim through his position of Editor was a very good friend to Mildenhall Cycling Club and in particular supporting the Club's Mildenhall Cycling Rally. He was an active cyclist and appreciated fully what the event, held every August Bank-Holiday, had to offer cyclists.

Cath Harris, Media Officer for the CTC said "He leaves a partner, Joanna Cleary, with whom he set up Cleary Hughes Associates, a sustainable transport consultancy in Nottingham and a four year old daughter, Hannah. CTC sends condolences to Joanna and would like to place on record our appreciation for the work that Tim did on behalf of CTC members."

28th May 2002

Competing at the BUSA (University) championships at the weekend, GB Team member Victoria Pendleton recorded two National Student Records and personal bests, reports British Cycling.

She recorded 12.061s for the flying 200m and 36.858s for the 500m time Trial, beating the old records (both held by team-mate Denise Hampson) of 12.14s and 36.996s. Both were officially timed via Velodrome event timing with marker bags out, however the 500 time was from a hand-held start, and is therefore unofficial.

Victoria’s coach Marshall Thomas said “The times are particularly pleasing as they are done with very little Track work yet, due to Victoria’s University commitments.”

10th April 2002

This year's Annual Bury Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 9th June 2002, starting and finishing from the Moreton Hall Community Centre, Bury St Edmunds.

The Organiser Brian Hurrell says "With four years past and over 500 riders taking part over £15000 has been raise for Local Charities.

"Again this year the charities will be St Nicholas Hospice and Operation Santa Claus. New for this year will be an extended route of 75 miles and fun ride to incorporate the Cycle Paths of the Town of Bury.

All riders will receive a T-Shirt and refreshments on route, together with a Certificate of achievement. So get training fill in the Entry Form whether you are an individual or a team, young or old all your sponsorship goes to Local Charities in Suffolk." Click on the graphic for the Ride's website or click here to email Brian Hurrell.

3rd April 2002

Mildenhall C.C. will hold their Dinner and Prize Presentation once again at the Worlington Hall Hotel, Worlington on Saturday 2nd February 2002. 7pm for a 7.15pm start.

The guest speaker is journalist, author as well as cyclist, Les Woodland. Come and hear his tales of the Tour de France! After the formalities relax to the sounds from the DM Roadshow.

All trophy and award winners are asked to be there between 6.30pm amd 6.45pm for the press photographs.

Tickets are available from Harvey Wright or email for further information.

2nd January 2002

Mildenhall C.C. will hold their Annual General Meeting on 1st October 2001(7.15pm) at their Clubroom in Wamil Way, MIldenhall.

All Club Members have should have received a formal notification, together with an invitation to submit any proposals they want.

10th September 2001

Mildenhall CC have decided, despite the current Foot & Mouth outbreak, they will promote their Open time trials next week.

The '10', starting at 2.30pm on Saturday 21st April, has attracted a field of 75 entrants including four tandems.

The Rachel Glaister Memorial '25' is on Sunday 22nd April, starting at 8am. It has attracted nearly a full-field of 116 riders including four tandems.

14th April 2001

Midenhall C.C. held their open day last Saturday (7th April). New members were encouraged to join the club and young & old came on the day. These included Club president Dave Bowers, a cycling club member since the 1950`s, chairman Ian Poole a member for over 30 years, and many other club members who answered questions.

The picture shows Dave Bowers being shown by Ian Poole how the latest technology can aid a cyclist to total fitness without having to venture outdoors to train on long winter evenings. The equipment including bikes was purchased with a lottery award of almost £4,000.The equipment will be available to new and existing members, any-one considering joining the Wamil Way based Club are very welcome to come and try out the equipment. No cycles are required as they are provided as part of the equipment, on which fitness can also be tested. Also purchased was a television video combination which was demonstrated with a large collection of cycle racing videos.

Mildenhall CC invite any local cyclists wanting to know more about the Club, have a go at a Bicycle Skills-Test, or try our their new Fitness Tests, to their OPEN DAY on Saturday 7th April. These new facilities have been part funded by a lottery grant, for which the Suffolk Club are very appreciative of.

Their Clubroom in Wamil Way, Mildenhall will be open for anyone interested to drop in any time between 10am and 4pm.

15th March 2001

The Club's committee agreed on Monday 5th March that until further notice all their scheduled off-road events will be cancelled due to the 'foot and mouth' outbreak. All their Clubruns for the immediate future will take place on the road only.

At the moment the Club are still planning to promote their Open 10 and 25 mile time-trials scheduled for Saturday 21st April and Sunday 22nd April respectively. The situation will be reviewed in the first week of April.

5th March 2001

The Off-Road Clubrun planned for Sunday 4th March 2001 and the Rough Ride scheduled for Sunday 11th March 2001 have both been cancelled. The Club have made this decision due to the 'foot and mouth' outbreak said chairman Ian Poole.

27th february 2001

Organiser Ian Poole, who reluctantly made the decision late last night, said "Owing to part of the course (The Cricket field) being waterlogged I've taken this step to protect the course for future use. It may be possible to organise a ride in the local forest and off-road tracks starting at 11.00am if anyone is interested"

The Eastern Cross Association AGM and Prize Presentation will take place at 1.30pm as originally scheduled.

Any queries about the Cyclo-Cross/Alternative ride please contact Ian Poole.

10th february 2001

Mildenhall CC held their Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation at the Worlington Hall Hotel on Saturday Evening. Guest of honour was Chairman of Forest Heath District Council, Mr Nigel Roman, who presentated the prizes.

Trophies were fairly evenly distributed this year, although the main prize winner was Andy Stuart who is the Senior Best-All-Rounder (BAR). He was also Club Champion over 25, 50 and 100 miles, breaking the Club Record for 100 miles in a time of 4hours 2minutes and 17seconds. He also added the Club Road-Race Championship to his tally of wins for the season.

Keith Richardson was the fastest rider in the Club over 10 miles, as well as being the Club Hill-Climb Champion. Adrian Rochford, another outstanding rider in the Club, was the Senior Cyclo-Cross and Off-Road Champions. Rochford is also the Eastern Region Veterans Cyclo-Cross Champion.

Veteran Champion for the fifteenth year is 57 year old grandfather Adrian Turner (Club Press-Secretary), who has been racing for 31 years. American serviceman Dave Anderson, who will be returning to the States in September was first in the Evening Time-Trial Series and the Evening Points Series. He is also the Club Super Champion, based on participation in every aspect of Club life.

Victoria Pendleton, daughter of well-known former grass-track champion, is the Women's 800m National Grass-Track Champion for the third year running. She also claimed the British University Sports Association Women's 8km hard-Track Champion title.

For a full list of all the Club Award winners - see the Awards section.

.

6th Febraury 2001.

Mildenhall CC will promote one of the last Cyclo-Cross events of the season on Sunday 11th February 2000. It will be a Madison Cyclo-Cross there will be teams of 2 of mixed ability (ie 1 star and 1 not such a star) each doing a lap before changing to the other. It promises to be a fun day with a number of people promising to ride. Already confirmed are top Eastern rider Russel Parkins (Elmy RT) with his uncle Mike Parkins, Junior World Championship rider Chris Skinner (Elmy) with his helper and Carl Thompson (Elmy) with Steve Grimwood (Elmy manager).

The event will be followed by the Eastern League prize giving (Mildenhall's Adrian Rochford is first in the Vets category) and the Eastern League AGM.

Organiser Ian Poole is asking any willing volunteers to conatct him as he will need some help on the Saturday afternoon to set up the course and on Sunday from about 9.00 am onwards.

28th January 2000

Press Release announcing the Club's new website

Mildenhall Cycling Club now has a website dedicated to the Club and separate from the well-established site for its hugely popular annual Mildenhall Cycling Rally.

It contains information about how the Club was formed, right up to the modern day members and their exploits. It also provides a complete profile of the entire Club's racing records for individuals as well as the course records. It will include a comprehensive round up of all the award winners at their forthcoming Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation on Saturday 3rd February to be held at the Worlington Country Hotel.

As you would expect from a website there are email addresses for contacts at the Club, making it more accessible than just the Monday evening's when their Wamil Way Club-Room is open (approx. 8.15pm - 10pm, apart from Bank-Holidays).It has been created by Committee member Mark Burchett who, with the aid of Press-Secretary Adrian Turner, plan to keep it up to date with members' results. This will allow members who live out side of Suffolk, even the exiled Mark Bristow who lives in the USA, to keep abreast of what is happening at their Club.

Future developments will include a members-only area with a bulletin style board. To find out more about the Mildenhall based Club and the Mildenhall Cycling Rally go to www.mildenhallcc.org.uk and www.mildenhallrally.org.uk respectively.

END.

1st January 2001

Mildenhall CC's Clubroom extension officially opened.

At the Club's recent Membership Signing-On night Tony Bass, Head of Leisure at Forest Heath District Council officially opened the extension to their growing Wamil Way Clubroom.

The extension allows the Club to store all the items needed to run their successful August Bank-Holiday Mildenhall Cycling Rally and at the same time enabled them to install a shower-room in the existing clubroom.

The Club's committee are grateful for Forest Heath's support who grant-aided this new facility.

6th November 2000

Tony Bass (right) from Forest Heath with Club
Chairman Ian Poole (left) at the official opening.