Hanley flies 'in Richmond'
THE unofficial record-breaking performance of Danielle Hanley caught the eye of Velo Club colleagues and officials as their Lockdown Time-Trial Series ended with a 10-miler.
As well finishing top local woman, Hanley’s fast time placed third overall in a separate women’s British Cycling TT Series event.
This all unfolded on the virtually simulated roads of Richmond in Surrey, many Sarnians doing battle with largely UK-based opposition on the 'pan-flat’ course.
Hanley clocked a swift 23min. 46sec. to finish within 38sec. of the overall winner in her event.
Hanley’s time surpassed Karina Bowie’s Island record for the distance on roads and despite Zwift generally being a favourable platform, her result still impressed GVC president Mark Smith.
‘It was a very good, impressive performance,’ said Smith.
‘The course probably suited her – she’s a powerful rider who works well on the flat.
‘There’s no wind and it’s a completely flat course – our 10-mile TT isn’t – and there’s no traffic, so you’d have to have a pretty perfect run on the Cobo circuit to get close to that.
‘It’s a good indication of how well she’s been training and none of that takes away from the fact that was a great performance from her.’
Kylie Vaudin and Maddie Wilson placed second and third Sarnian women at 24-27 and 24-55 respectively, both surpassing Hanley in the season standings through consistent turnout.
As for the men, despite being three times a runner-up through Guernsey Velo Club’s five-part series, Matt Osborn had his own time to shine in the concluder and was top Sarnian in 22-00.
Andy Colver clocked 22-24 while Ove Svejstrup, another 5sec. in arrears, completed the Guernsey ‘podium’.
Osborn’s strong results throughout the series allowed him to top the overall standings from the fastest rider on paper, that being multiple Guernsey record holder Seb Tremlett, and 2019 Island Games debutant Marc Cox.
President Smith, the new Category B champion, marked the series as a success.
‘It has been an interesting experience, and it’s good to keep up the momentum for the club.
‘It’s good to keep people aiming high in the sport and even if it’s just for fun, they are still being competitive.’
Smith also enjoyed the presence of a decent youth contingent and several off-island competitors through the series.
