The 7 Phoenix riders got off to a fine start for the first 25 of the season. Very windy, which was favourable going down the lane and all riders were taking advantage and trying to get as much speed as possible for the short time the wind was directly behind.
Along the bypass, cheered on by the marshals and other phoenix members, the riders were beginning to settle down into their rhythm. It became clear on the second leg of the bypass that Sam and John Leach were both doing very well and soon passed me. Sam had to take avoiding action on the Rainford Island when a car came across from the right. This allowed me to nip through on the inside but Sam was soon back in front and powering towards a finishing time of 1:05:32
Battling back up the Lane and determined to catch me before the finishing line was Ricky Coppell who just passed me with a few yards to spare and finished with 1:09:21. Well done Ricky.
So.. mostly happy faces, but perhaps John Leach was not over impressed by the handicapper (Sam) beating him by 1 second on corrected time.
Me...not too happy either, but somebody has to finish last. to coin a phrase, "I'll be back".

WInning time on the night:
M.Laithwaite (Merseyside Wheelers) 58:34

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Club Championship 25.

Very nice weather for all 23 entrants.
The Phoenix had 8 riders.
Let's take a look at each of the Phoenix riders details and get some idea of their potential from previous results...
Bernie James, established veteran and winner of many events including National and International at home and overseas (IOM)
Bernie has raced every week for many years.
On the 8th July 1997 Bernie did 1:04:03, tonight 1:09:01
John Hampson, strong, various levels of form, difficult to determine his level of fitness. On the 8th July 1997 Sam's time was 1:02:20, tonight 1:05:51.
John Leach, powerful and very fit, here is a competitor who is always trying. He succeeds and improves year after year.
John only competed in one 25 during 1997.On the 22nd July his time then was 1:06:04, tonight 1:03:39 a Personal Best for the D25/3 course.
Steve McBride, Steve turns up from time to time looking casual and composed but he is certainly very fit and very fast. He has not raced a 25 for 30 years but this did not deter him. His time tonight was an impressively quick 1:01:44 which won on actual and handicap times.
Andy Burton, Andy is a strong, consistent rider and saves his best 10 ride 'till later in the season with the occasional pre-peak bonus performance.Not many 25s under his belt, but almost exactly the same times from 2001 and 2002 1:08:56 and 1:08:58. Tonight Andy was not feeling 100% and was a DNF.
Keith Williams, should I give away my winning secrets??
Still looking to gain some lost form but feeling fitter than on the 10th June's 25, but still struggling. Some gradual improvement on 10s.Not a strong rider, and if peak form is attained it will probably be in September!! On the 8th July 1997 my time was 1:02:42, tonight 1:08:16.
John Williamson, Have you every seen anybody put more effort into a time trial, just look at some of the photos from the 10's.
John is improving each week and his 25 time tonight was 3 minutes faster than his time on the 10th June. On the 8th July 1997 his time was 1:06:05, tonight- 1:07:34.
I have no data on Tony Baker but a quick time tonight of 1:05:19 put him in third place, well done Tony.
Thanks to Keith Linge for tonight's photos, a selection is opposite. Please click on photo for larger view.

H'cap Times
0:57:14 - 1st
1:03:39 - 6th
0:59:49 - 2nd
1:04:21 - 7th
1:01:34 - 3rd
1:02:16 - 4th
1:03:01 - 5th