L'Etape de la Defonce - 18th and 19th June

[Steven]

We bumped into Will Pring in Café Velo on Sunday and he reminded me to get an entry in for this year's event.  It's a 3 stage, two day event based around Cowbridge on the 18th and 19th June and for many years we entered a team.  Will has given an assurance we will get a ride. The parcours favours riders who are good on hills so I would suggest names such as Paul Nicholas, Chris Goodwin, Mark Rosser, Haydn Lewis and Rich Jones. The entry has to come from the OVW Team Manager (me!), not individual entries. The only other event on this weekend is the West Wales 100!  So put the date in your diary and express and interest here....

[NeilRhys]

Hi Steven,

I would really like to do this, just not sure what my work schedule will be until nearer the time,

Thanks,

Nei

[wardhaugh]

Just wanted to try and stimulate some OVW racers.

I did this event a few years ago (when I was a bit fitter  ), and it was really good fun. Very well organised and a good test of powers of recovery with a TTT and two road races in two days. It is a higher standard than Cat 3/4 might suggest - I'd compare it as the at least as high standard as Cat 2/3 and Cat 2/3/4 that I raced.

Paul Nicholas would definitely enjoy this as there's plenty of climbing. Don't think I've ridden with Neil, but from what I read of your Crit results so far, you should try and ride it if you can. Haydn - from what I've seen of your riding in the last 6 months, you'd love it!

Having said all that, I'll be happy to be a roadside spectator....racing days have gone  . Be good to have some Oggies to cheer on though.

[Steven]

Will told me we have to enter as a team and I am set up as team manager for OVW. Billy Pring says we will get a place. Neil, Paul, Haydn and Mark R?

[harpo]

Hmmm, could I suggest Chris Goodwin  instead of me ,as I have no race experience what so ever. Happy to be substitute, and would willingly fill in if needed!!
Got to admit, I do like the idea of it thou:)

[Andy H]

You have to start somewhere Haydn, may as well be this!

I'm happy to stand roadside and hand out bottles. 

[RichardB]

Yes, only one way to get experience. Go Harpo!!

[Steven]

Stand up XraySpex - it's a hilly course - ideal for you!

[chris matt]

Come on you lot , its a local event and OVW has normally put a team in , I have done it several times and always had a kicking .After seeing you all in Majorca its time for one or two of you to step forward .May I suggest Dr Goodwin , Paul Nicolas , Harpo and Dave W .
 

[Rob Jones]

Ajax has 2 teams and many more would love to ride. I understand the organiser has said there is a shortage of local teams entered. Its my favourite event, always has been. It is hard though, I've seen several put off racing over the years by stepping into this one without some road races under their belts. Stage racing is so much more enjoyable in my view, you really feel like a team as your team time trial and aggregate results matter.

[Steven]

It's time to commit. Met Will Pring in Cafe Velo and we have until tomorrow evening.  I have to enter on behalf of the club as Team Manager but without the promise of riders and cash we will lose out.  Neil Poulton, your name should be on the list.  The course would suit the riders mentioned.  Give me a call on 07834431258 if you want to chat it through.

[Paul Nicholas]

I assumed that I'm am already included on the list.

[Steven]

Yes. That's one!

[Steven]

Harpo has called me. That's two...

[Steven]

Mark Rosser makes three