Rupert takes RCC 100 record in super-close SCCU TT

An astonishing SCCU 100 TT ended with Rupert Burbidge powering to within a minute of the magical four hour mark and taking another 11year old club record by nearly two minutes in the process.

Three Redhill starters left home around 4.30am to prepare and be ready for early start times down near Dial Post on the A24.  Nathan Chamberlain was first off at 6.18am - showing huge courage and tenacity after a frustrating season in 2010 including seven weeks off the bike at a key time. Time Trialling Secretary, Geoff Clifton was next at 6.24am followed by Rupert at 6.36am. 

During the first half of the distance, all three looked calm, comfortable and fast. Rupert even managed a smile - captured in the report photo - as he passed the first RCC checkpoint over two minutes up on Keith Coffey of Bec CC - his closest rival in recent open TTs.

It was in the second 50 miles that competition intensified. The switch from the northern section of the course (near to the Horsham TT Circuit) to a more challenging, winding and hilly southern section took its toll on many riders.

Nathan knew when to call it a day somewhere after the 75 mile mark. If we'd recorded a split time for him at 50 miles it would have shown a time that most of us can only dream about - a testament to some deep reserves of fitness that just needed more miles in 2010 to blossom.

Elsewhere - Rupert having gone over 5 minutes up on Keith Coffey by John Eg's calculation - pushed on strongly but suffered a major blow when he had to wait over 40 seconds doing nothing at a set of traffic lights and was then nearly taken out by an inconsiderate driver at a roundabout. Meanwhile, Mr Coffey was showing the experience of having competed in many 100s before and continued to look both strong and comfortable as many others battled with psychological and physical demons. By the time 85miles were on the clock, you could not slide a Rizla paper between his and Rupert's time. 

As our little support team circled the course looking for places to ensure Messrs Burbidge and Clifon were well-fed and watered, Geoff pushed on regardless. We tried to prime him with gels, bottles, bananas and energy bars but, with a brief wave of the hand, he smiled and said 'I'm fine'. That's what all that Marmotte seasoning does for you: an engine like the Flying Scotsman (or is that Billy Weir?).

The wait for results to be posted back at HQ in Dial Post was becoming excruciatingly tense.

There was a gasp when a name that few had spotted as a leading contender flashed up: Rob Pelham of Lewes Wanderers. He had apparently never done a 100 TT before but came home with a 3:52:40!  Watching from the roadside we had had seen him going along like a bullet but assumed he might be overcooking it... but clearly he's one of those riders blessed in every sense: great lungs, legs, super stamina and a nice bloke too. A name to watch!

When Rupert's time was added to the results sheet we knew quickly that Peter Main's 11year old 100m record has fallen by nearly two minutes.  But those traffic lights combined with Keith Coffey's extraordinary strength on the second 50 saw his rival pip him by just 14seconds. Rupert finished 4th of the 44 finishers behind Rob Pelham, Keith Coffey and squeezed off the podium by just three seconds by Dave Sheppard of G S Stella. In the end, just 14 seconds separated 2nd, 3rd and 4th.  Across 100 miles. Wow!

Hopefully, the whole ride and experience - plus better luck at the lights next time - will lay the foundations for Rupert reversing those tiny margins in the future. As ever, his modesty was as impressive as his power as he smiled and chatted during reflections on a ride averaging over 25mph for four hours.

As things stand, of Peter Main's extraordinarily resilient records, only the 25 now stands between Rupert and a clean sweep.

At HQ, it also became apparent that Geoff had recorded a PB too with a 4:42. Chapeau! If you'd taken that last gel it might have been 4:41, Geoff!

Well done to all three RCC riders. A top bunch who continue to put the club name firmly on the map of clubs in the south.  

 

Adrian

Smiles on the 100 miles from Rupert