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Fast bikes, faster legs and a season to remember

The stopwatch never lies.

Week after week throughout the 2026 season, Cwmcarn Paragon CC riders lined up, clipped in and took on the clock — some chasing outright speed, others hunting down a personal best, and plenty simply looking to see what they could squeeze out of tired legs after a day’s work.

From the opening events through to the final weeks of summer, the CPCC Time Trial Series once again provided some of the most competitive, accessible and enjoyable racing in the club calendar.

And there was plenty of speed on show.

The headline performance came from Andy Butcher, who set the fastest time of the season with a superb 20:59, breaking the 21-minute barrier and establishing himself as the man to beat.

But while the fastest times naturally grab the headlines, the real success of the series was the fantastic participation from across the club. 26 riders recorded times during the season, with competitors represented across Open, Female, Junior and Para categories.

For some it was all about the podium. For others, it was simply about beating last week’s time.

That’s exactly what club time trialling should be about.

Riders of the Season

Andy Butcher — Fastest Rider

There was no doubt about the outright speedster of the 2026 series – 20:59

That was the number everyone else had to chase. Andy Butcher produced the fastest ride recorded by a CPCC rider during the season and was the clear benchmark in the Open category. Breaking 21 minutes is no small achievement — and Andy’s performance provided the standout ride of the year.

Jon Vickery — Second Fastest

Jon Vickery was hot on Andy’s heels, recording an excellent 22:45

A consistently fast performer throughout the series, Jon finished second in the overall rankings.

Matt O’Brien — Third Overall

Matt O’Brien completed the overall top three with a 22:55

With 10 rides during the season, Matt was also one of the series’ most regular competitors, combining speed with consistency.

Ross Porter — The Ironman of the Series

While outright speed is one way of measuring success, simply continuing to turn up is another. With 11 rides, Ross Porter (pictured) recorded the most appearances of any rider during the 2026 series.

That sort of commitment deserves recognition — particularly when the weather, legs and motivation aren’t always cooperating!

Julie Hooper — Consistency and Speed

Julie Hooper had an excellent season, recording a 25:17 best and completing eight rides.

Her performances saw her take the Female Para category while also making her one of the most consistent riders in the series.

Records of the Season

Fastest Time

Andy Butcher — 20:59

The fastest CPCC TT performance of 2026.

Most Rides

Ross Porter — 11

Nobody clocked up more appearances during the series.

Most Consistent Regulars

A number of riders made the TT series a regular part of their summer:

• Ross Porter — 11 rides
• Matt O’Brien — 10
• Julie Hooper — 8
• Andy Butcher — 6
• Jon Vickery — 6
• Lianne Lusty — 6

Fastest Junior

Zak Griffiths — 23:42

A seriously impressive ride and the fastest junior performance of the season.

Fastest Female

Lianne Lusty — 24:10

Lianne took the Female category with an excellent 24:10.

Fastest Female Para

Julie Hooper — 25:17

A fantastic season from Julie.

2026 Season Bests

The compact table below shows every CPCC rider who recorded a time during the 2026 series.

TT Bike or Road Bike?

One of the great things about the CPCC series is that riders don’t need a dedicated time trial machine to get involved.

Throughout the season, members took on the challenge using both dedicated TT bikes and conventional road bikes.

Of course, the aerodynamic advantages of a TT machine can make a significant difference against the clock, but the results also demonstrated just how quick a well-ridden road bike can be.

Ultimately, the important thing wasn’t what bike was underneath you — it was getting yourself to the start line and giving it everything you’ve got.

A HUGE Thank You to Our Volunteers

A time trial might look simple from the rider’s perspective.

Turn up. Ride hard. Stop the clock.

But behind every successful event is a team of volunteers making it happen.

From setting up the course and signing on riders, to marshalling junctions, recording times, managing starts and keeping everyone safe, our TT series simply couldn’t happen without our volunteers.

So, from everyone at Cwmcarn Paragon CC:

THANK YOU!

A particularly huge thank you must go to our TT Secretary, Wayne Lewis.

Wayne has put an enormous amount of time, effort and organisation into making the 2026 TT series happen. From coordinating the events and dealing with the practicalities behind the scenes to ensuring the racing could take place week after week, his contribution has been invaluable.

The riders get to enjoy the racing, but it is volunteers like Wayne who make that racing possible.

Wayne thank you for everything you’ve done for CPCC this season.

And to every marshal, helper, committee member and volunteer who gave up an evening to support the series:

We couldn’t do it without you.

That’s a Wrap!

The 2026 CPCC Time Trial Series has once again shown what makes club racing so enjoyable.

There have been fast times, close competition, personal bests, heroic efforts, questionable pacing strategies and — inevitably — a few riders wondering why they agreed to do another one!

But above everything else, there has been a great turnout and a fantastic club spirit.

Whether you finished in 20:59 or 29:07, rode every week or only managed one appearance, you were part of the CPCC TT season — and that’s what matters.

Congratulations to everyone who took part.