While Oxford failed to dominate the medals at this weeks BUSA 10 mile cycling time trial, 17 of the 61 finishers were from OUCC. This particular race format is a solo effort against the clock, where competitors ride flat-out over a given distance. The event was organised by the Oxford club. The race was won by favorite Sam Barker of Luton University in a time of 21:01 (an average speed of over 28mph). OUCC had hopes of a medal from star rider, Danny Axford (St. Cross), but these were dashed when Axford’s crank came loose and fell off within the first three miles. Oxford’s pride rested on Alex Rowe (Queen’s) who came home eleventh. Rowe together with first year Simon Harding (St. Catz) and OUCC stalwart Kevin Backhouse (Lincoln) finished third in the team competition. This adds a second BUSA medal to the gold won by the trio of Axford, Harding and Rowe in the team time trial held near Alcester in April. The women’s event was more of a success for Oxford as Samantha Van Gerbig (Queens) placed second with a time of 25:53. Van Gerbig was beaten only by Cambridge’s Rachel Horn who hammered through the finish line in a blistering time of 23:59. The Varsity match (17th May) is eagerly awaited as both Oxford and Cambridge have won BUSA golds this season.
ARCHIVE: 3rd Week TT 2003
Bike Buildup
