Spring bank holiday weekend saw London Phoenix riders Rob Peake and Neil Simpson (with 450 other riders) take part in the inaugural Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive- 325 miles of hilly Wessex roads over 3 consecutive days.

Day 1 included narrow muddy lanes, 2500 metres of climbing over steep hills, greasy descents, a bit of off road, lots of crashes, getting lost, punctures and drizzle that became heavy rain for about 4 hours. and then Rob’s front mech gave up after 80 miles but Neil rode to the finish in 66th place.

Luckily Day 2 delivered better weather for our sodden heroes in time for a memorable route taking them past all the classic Dorset landmarks, from the Cerne Abbas Giant to Lulworth and Corfe Castle. A happier Neil finished in 56th place but Rob was content just to make it back. Said Rob about Sunday’s route ‘I couldn’t have cared less if we were cycling past the Taj Mahal, from about mile 60 I blew up big time and just ground my way to the finish in slow motion.”

Unsurprisingly both Phoenix heroes, decided not to get up to start Day 3. This was an event that they will not forget too quickly although we suspect they’ll be back on the start line next year to complete unfinished business!

Well done to London Phoenix rider Jane Kilmartin who won the women’s road race on Sunday 28 May at the Omega circuit race at Castle Combe.

The Exodus Spring Series came to a damp and muddy finale at Porridgepot Hill on Sunday on a challenging course with plenty of variety and err… mud. New member Paul Troughton did us proud by finishing 4th in the sport category. Meanwhile, down the field, Nick and David persevered to complete 4 very muddy laps in 18th and 19th places respectively. It was probably the muddiest Gorrick in history. Bad luck for both Jane and Abi who punctured/muddied out on the first lap.

Held at Ellens Green and supported by SheCycles.com – 42 miles

London Phoenix entered three women in the SE Women’s Championships Road race this weekend with Jane Kilmartin achieving third place in the sprint finish after a being in a breakaway with five others including the winner Nicky Wheeler (Velocity) and Hannah Bussey (VC Meudon). Abigail Armstrong led the sprint home of the main bunch in 9th position while new Phoenix member Lucy Wakefield finished 14th (of 21 starters) in her first road race.

The second round of the Southern Cross Country Series was held at East Grinstead on May 14 on a fairly techincally demanding course in parts.Phoenix rider of the day was Jane Kilmartin who came 2nd in the elite category – 2nd podium place in 2 weeks!. Abigail Armstrong came 3rd in the Super Master Women.

In the Sport Mens race Nick Morrison continued his impressive form getting 18th in the Sport mens race while David Steele placed 6th in the open category.

Top London Phoenix rider Jane Kilmartin achieved second place in the master women category in National Points Series Round 1 on 6 May. In first place was Michelle Bergstrand (Raleigh/ERV) and Theresa Jackson (CC Luton) came third.

Jane followed this with another second place on the Sunday in the 4 hour solo pro women category while fellow Phoenix rider Kelley Campbell attempted the 6 hour solo women’s race.

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