The Rugy Flyer

Thank you to Jon Durnin, our resident tt reporter for this report from Rugby

A trio of WVCC testers raced the inaugural edition of ‘The Rugby Flyer’ 25, organised by Rugby Racing Cycling Club on Sunday.

Held on the K10/25B course at Princethorpe, this road bike only event was organised to celebrate the achievement of ‘The Rugby Flyer’ Ralph Dougherty.

Ralph Dougherty (1913-1990) joined Rugby Racing Cycling Club in the early 1930’s and was known as ‘The Rugby Flyer’. In 1939 he became the first 25 miles record holder to finish under the hour when he won the Solihull CC 25-mile time trial in 59 mins 29 seconds.

RRCC provided a warm welcome and held a really well organised event. It was great to see Ralph’s original BSA bike, and for his grandson Andy to present the prizes.

On a dry but windy morning, WVCC riders got over the shock of riding without aero helmets, TT bars and deep wheels, and really enjoyed something bit different.

• Jonathan Durnin 1:02:12
• Andy Poulton 1:03:20
• Simon Ward 1:09:33

The event was won by RRCC’s Matthew Thompson in a very rapid 55:43.