IT has been a busy year for Chard Wheelers so far, with lots going on from youth and senior Racing to social weekend group riding in France. 

Let’s start with the race against the clock that is the Time Trial. 

The club is well represented in this discipline with stalwarts like Dean Ward and Buster Lawrence flying the flag. 

One of Chard’s long serving time trialists, veteran John Trout, completed a 25-mile TT in Wales in a great time of 1hr 7min.

Stepping up the distance slightly was Mark German, who did a 50-mile TT this year in an also impressive time of 2hr 8min. 

Moving to the youth category - talented riders Ollie Bartlett, William Salter, Fran Caswell, Eva Ellis, Molly Hughes, James Biggs, Oscar Farthing, William and Jenny Hunt, James Matravers, Molly Caswell and Jacob James to name a few continue to represent the club.

They have lined up at races across the South West with podium places in races such as the club’s own Seaton Cycle Fest and a Mountain Bike race on Woodbury Common. 

Senior racing continues to be represented although there is still lots of space for new talent. 

Rowan Ellis was part of the South West Under-23 Team and also this season moved up a league to second category racing.

Hot on his heels is another good rider, Ollie Pennington, who now just needs a few more points by the end of the year to also claim his second category licence. 

Mention has to go to Evan Richards, who took a win at the SW circuit race champs in Torbay, riding away from the field to claim victory in the third category race in July.

It’s hill climb and cyclo cross season now with many other Chard names like Wiebke Rietz and Tristan Ellis competing in these Autumn/Winter events.

Times are exciting for this busy cycling club - if you have an interest in starting cycling at any level and in any discipline, get in touch!