Race Season Report

Thank you to Austin Smith for this super report.

You may remember that earlier this year the club launched a brilliant scheme to support and encourage members to get involved in cycle racing. At first, I assumed it was just for the younger, faster riders, but it turns out it’s open to absolutely anyone who wants a bit of coaching and a push towards racing in any discipline.

I joined the scheme a little later than planned, but once I got started, Simon Ward wasted no time getting me up to speed. We talked through what I wanted to achieve, when I could train, and how much time I had to play with. As a busy family man, having that bit of structure was such a positive change. We set our sights on the Club TTs and the Round Robin TTs, and although I had hoped to tackle an open 25TT, life threw a few challenges my way and it just wasn’t possible this year… but hopefully in 2026!

The Club TTs and Round Robins became real highlights for me. My season built nicely, and by July and August I was really starting to find my rhythm. A few club members even said I was “coming into my own,” which was such a lovely boost. The Gretton TT course  was a standout and I managed to improve each week that we raced there, that event, along with the Tour of the Langtons, ended up being two of my favourites this year.

A late addition to my season was the Graean Cymru | UCI Gravel World Series: two laps of a 53km course circumnavigating the Llyn Brenig reservoir in North Wales before heading into the rolling Clocaenog Forest. It was my first gravel race, and I absolutely loved it. Once again, Simon adapted quickly to my sudden addition of a new goal, helping give me the best chance possible on race day.

Despite some tough moments through 2025, working with Simon has been fantastic. I can be pretty tough on myself at times, but his encouragement, positivity, and focus have kept me steady and smiling. I’m genuinely grateful for everything he’s done, this season has been not only productive but genuinely enjoyable. Having my weeks planned out has been a huge benefit, taking so much guesswork and uncertainty out of training.

Finally, a big thank you to Simon and to WVCC for all the support I’ve received this year. I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!

Photo © Mike Ives