National Trophy & Champs 2017/18

[StevenDrew]

These dates were up on Twitter earlier...

Rd 1: 8/10/17 - Derby
Rd 2: 29/10/17 - Abergavenny
Rd 3: 12/11/17 - Shrewsbury
Rd 4: 26/11/17 - Gravesend
Rd 5: 10/12/17 - Bradford
Rd 6: 7/01/18 - Ipswich
Nationals: 13/14 Jan - Hetton

[LouisCarton]

the british system is completely different than the French one, can you explain what's that ?

[StevenDrew]

the british system is completely different than the French one, can you explain what's that ?

I'm not familiar with the French system but they do hold their National Champs on the same weekend as the UK, as do all Euro countries (possibly all northern hemisphere?)

I think there might be a "French Cup" series which I guess could be similar to our National Trophy series. Not actually sure about that.

Some good riders though. Julian Alaphilippe was a very good crosser before signing with Quick Step. Obviously Francis Mourey has done really well in World Cups and has probably been French Champ more than anyone ever. And Clement Venturini has looked really good this season.

Neil might know more?

[Neil]

Neil might know more?

All I know is that the French Champs will probably be closer than Hetton which is a fictional place nobody has ever been to.

[StevenDrew]

Neil might know more?

All I know is that the French Champs will probably be closer than Hetton which is a fictional place nobody has ever been to.

I have actually been! I played a county cricket match there in my yoof. Never felt the need to return, mind you!

But I might try and stay relatively fit over Christmas for a bit of "Eastern League Grass Motorway" at the Ipswich round

[Damian Robertson]

If I'm fit I may go to the Houghton le Springs race, as well as Derby, Shrewsbury and Bradford.

[StevenDrew]

Neil might know more?

All I know is that the French Champs will probably be closer than Hetton which is a fictional place nobody has ever been to.

Belgian Champs are definitely closer... in Koksijde

[Neil]

Belgian Champs are definitely closer... in Koksijde

Hetton or this...

IMG_7526.JPG

[StevenDrew]

That's a shocking carrying technique. But, mmm, this is a no brainer, eh?

[Neil]

Trophy entries now open folks ! https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events?series_id=582

[StevenDrew]

Trophy entries now open folks ! https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events?series_id=582

Are you doing any?

[Neil]

Are you doing any?

Probably only round 1 @ Derby on the saturday afternoon, followed a Central on the Sunday.
Likely to be working at Cyclopark and Ipswich otherwise I'd be entering them for sure.

[Neil]

I have the grids for Sunday.

Bruce on row 4 and Pat on Row 5 (of 9) - good luck chaps.

Our highest ranked visitor is Braam Merlier, younger brother of Tim.

[Neil]

Our highest ranked visitor is Braam Merlier, younger brother of Tim.

Many of you will have spotted my error here, but I'm not counting Jeremy Durrin as a visitor obviously .

[BruceMackie]

Bonkers is my take on Mr Huw William's course at Cyclopark. I have a feeling I rode round looking like a complete idiot with a massive grin on my face (this may not be true but feels like it should be). Icy conditions created some interesting moments but somehow I managed to stay upright throughout, though there were many Buster Keaton moments, it was the vet 50 race after all so should be seen as black and white slapstick. Lucky for me Nick Craig just passed at the line so no extra lap but think I got about as high as top 10 but dropped back to 21st by the end. Thanks to Neil for the heads up and being Comm.