Velo Club de Londres

The first race of 2012, and the third cross VCL have organised this season. The New Years madison has been running for 5 or so years now, just long enough to make it “traditional”. Every year it has got bigger and bigger. What started as just a few South London locals blowing off the cobwebs on New Years Day has got bigger and bigger each year. This year there were almost 60 pairs in the senior madison event.

Continue reading →

The annual club hillclimb marks the start of “proper” winter. Up until this point people have enjoyed their break from the racing season, getting to grips with cyclo cross or Sunday club runs.  Those who have been putting off attaching their mudguards, in an effort to pretend that “the weather’s still ok out there”, were reminded this Sunday that winter was here, and for many of us it was also a reminder that we better get fit, because riding up steep hills hurt!

Continue reading →

The time had come once again for the regional team championships. Preparation had started the night before with Philip G and my self trying to revive his jet-wash after a year sat dormant in his garage. After 2 hours, 3 snapped pull cords and a tin of easy start we finally got it to start. HAPPY DAYS.

Race day had arrived and Jules B and I had the fun task of driving through central London. After a brief navigational error, we was on our way to Welwyn Garden City. On the way we had got word that Abi Van Twisk had won the Girls Youth race and the week before had podiumed at the National Trophy.

Continue reading →

An eclectic bunch of VCL riders took a trip to the indoor velodrome in Newport last Sunday; some beginner youth and adults who’d never ‘ridden wood’ before, some of our more experienced  kids looking for indoor practise in preparation for racing next year and some Dads out for the thrill that the shorter, steeper banked surface offers. Oh, and Rob Mortlock doing some crazy sprint training! Continue reading →

Cyclo Cross is probably the most photo-genic cycling discpline. Mainly because riders are going slow enough to to allow time to get a few shots of them.

A typical VCL contingent was at Hillingdon yesterday for London League Cyclo Cross action, with notable exceptions Phil Glowinski who was 48 hours into a post-birthday hangover, and Abi Van Twisk who was representing the region at the second round of the national trophy series in Leicester.

Good racing in the youth and senior catagories alike, and especial hats off to Jules for a strong 6th place overall in a very fast senior race. Here’s some bunny hopping action captured on the VCLs new DSLR camera from the senior race. Everyone made it over without falling fowl of the punctures, folded and cracked wheels, and general OTB action that were inflicted upon others:

This is one of 2 recent posts, be sure not miss the one about Joseph’s Yoga Classes!

Now in it’s third successive year muddy hell is one of the countries biggest cross races.  A total of 31 VCL riders took part, and we were the only club to have at least 1 rider in every single category.  All involved did their club proud with some great performance’s throughout the evening, from solid results in the youth races, to Phil Glowinski’s flair and eventual 8th place in the last race of the night, not forgetting Conor’s amazing entertainment value.

Continue reading →

The yoga-based fitness class for cyclists returns next Tuesday 1st November 2011 at the Dulwich College Sports Club, SE21 7LD, 19.00-20.45.

For those who did not take part last year, this routine is designed to improve upper body and core strength, overall flexibility and fine-tune abdominal/lateral breathing.

Continue reading →

VCL secured three wins at the London and South East Cyclocross League in Brighton on Sunday, including a powerful overall victory for Jules Birks.

Continue reading →

A year long series contested at tracks all around the country, the national endurance league includes races from many of the biggest open meetings of the season.  The club was represented by at least one member in 6 of the 8 rounds of the series.

Continue reading →

Along with around 10 of London’s other top youth cycling clubs, VCL was invited to race at the Tour of Britain. Over 100 under 12 riders would race a road circuit race on British Cycling’s mountainbikes along the prestigious Victoria Embankment, inbetween the Time Trial and Circuit race comprising the final stage of the Tour of Britain. Riders were split into 5 heats on a simple, but tough course, with two 130m straights and two 180 degree hairpin corners.

Continue reading →