Three Cornish Cyclists at National Master Road Race Championships (12th July 2010)

Next weekend three Cornish cyclists are heading off to the National Masters Road Race Championships.  Ricci Pascoe founder member of One and All Cycling will be riding an 80 mile race in Essex, 20 years after riding his last major event. Ricci explains “It is a privilege to be riding the National Championships in the UK as I have only been back racing for a year and will find myself racing against professional full time riders in this championship.  The race is set over five laps totally 80 miles and will represent the culmination of a year’s hard work when I set out to gain some more fitness and have some fun.  Representing One and All is also a great privilege as the club has only been in existence for a couple of years.  We have seen any people of all ages from our club take part in national Championships in this past year and I am especially proud of the club youngsters who have led the way.”

Tony Farnell, a veteran cyclist will be riding for his club the Penzance Wheelers and is a strong favourite in the “super vet category” and is tackling a 50mile race with the enthusiasm of a 21 year old.  He is an exceptional athlete and looking to better his second place silver medal from last year.

The third rider is Richard Edmonds, also riding for One & All Cycling, who will be competing in the National Championships in Yorkshire, again over 80 in one of the highest quality fields assembled in recent years.  He will face tough competition from riders who are still earning their livings from bike racing.  A teacher from Falmouth school, Richard has been instrumental in getting One and All recognised in the South West with a series of strong performances on the road this year.

Ricci continued “The development of road racing in One & All has seen the club rise to first place in the regional rankings in the South West in only its second season.  The One and All Development squad has achieved this through its youth focus in addition to the more senior members mentioned above.  Notable successes in the development squad this year include junior Rhiannon Smallworth and Fiona Telfer Brunton, both second category road racing riders; youth rider James Trott who became National Champion at both 10 and 25 time trials last year in age 12 category; junior Jake Alderman (only recently having gained selection to the development squad ahead of schedule) becoming South West 10 mile time trial Champion in age 15 category – both James and Jake have qualified for the GHS National Championships in September.  Andy Smith has also proved a strong force in triathlons in the SW this year giving One and All a wide representation in different cycling disciplines.

“And really good news in terms of racing development is that Chris Lobb of Redruth has joined One and all in the past month bringing with him a powerful riding style and an infectious enthusiasm for bike racing.  We are extremely pleased to have Chris on board and delighted with the successes of the development squad who we see spearheading our efforts in 2011.”

The Masters is run on different age categories – Richard Edmonds is riding in the 30-39 years category, Ricci Pasco in the 40-49 years category and “super vet” Tony – well that speaks for itself!