British TT Championships.

[Lardyboy]

Spent a hugely entertaining day marshalling and being the back up broomwagon at the above event down in deepest darkest west Wales, or Llandeilo if you must. We had a fabulous days worth of racing, the weather was ok in the town (where Fairwether, Tall Paul, 515mm and myself were), with just a smattering of rain, but there was quite a deluge out in Dryslwn at the extremity of the course. The course was quite a challenge speaking to riders after the event, they didn't think it was going to be that difficult.

We were situated on the hill in the town on the turning into Kings Street and as the day went on you could see how much quicker the riders were getting as they were reaching us as I had to step further and further in to the road with a large red flag to get their attention as they came towards me and the turn. Though this didn't seem to be enough and me shouting "LEFT!!!!!" for one rider who came past me before realising what he'd done.

The day simply flew by and we were finished by mid afternoon and back at HQ (Llandeilo RFC) in the bar having a recuperative pint by 5!

Fairweather was on photographic duties and will be posting a collection somewhere for peoples perusal.

 

[515mm]

Rocked up to watch the champs with Little Miss and Tall Paul at about 1130. Poor old Lards was juggling his big red flag whilst trying to mark off rider's numbers as they came through the turn AND shouting their race numbers to James (British Cycling Event Manager) in King Street, so he could enter the number into his race computer and display the split time.

I've a much bigger mouth than the boy Lard, so I started shouting the race numbers out to give him a break. This drew an apprecitive ''That's much better whoever you are!" from James - and the crowd, who were then able find the rider's name in the programme and shout it at them as they went past in encouragement. Aren't people wonderful?

After lunch, James dug out an intercom system from the back of his van - an ancient wired type with massive headphones and mic. All very BBC! With this I could stand further down the hill to give him more time to enter the numbers and say the name of the rider to the crowd. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and young James was excellent company in my ears.

Special mention must go to Little Miss and Tall Paul (who mysteriously manged to find a hi-viz vest for himself) who ferried bacon rolls and fresh coffee to Fairweather, myself, Lardy and James all afternoon. These had been expertly prepared by Fairweather's multi-talented brother, who, all too conveniently, lives just down the hill from our position.

It was obvious that Brad Wiggins was going to win the day from the way he shot up the hill on his first lap, relaxed and hardly breathing at all - a majesterial performance. I guessed that Emma Pooley would win the ladies event too. She was spinning a low gear but was super smooth, with only Wendy Houvenhagel looking smoother. Alas for Wendy, it was not to be.

Back at GHQ, most popular rider was Geraint Thomas - all but mobbed by the young (and not-so-young) ladies, he smiled for photos and signed autographs for ages. He gave his Team Sky hat to a little girl in the time honoured tradition of champions, but it took the combined efforts of half a dozen grown men to persuade her to get ''Gee'' to sign it for her. To sing-song calls of ''Excuse me Mr Thomas, will you sign my hat please?'' from the aforementioned grown men, Gee did as requested with a smile and a laugh as the crowd said ''Ahhhhhh''.

Back in the bar, Ms Pooley tirelessly was signing jerseys left right and centre, with Towy CC riders seemingly everywhere - I must have seen two dozen under the age of 16 sporting their club colours. They had a great group photo with Gee, orchestrated by none other than our own Fairweather, who was as happy as a pig in proverbial. I'd expect to see that shot in the cycling press somewhere - a couple of the official photographers got in on the act.

All in all an unexpectedly grand day out.

Look out for Fairweather's photos.........

 

[Fairweather]

Now then..... got to remember how to get pics on here...... ummmmm.............gimme two mins.........

aha!!! I believe that is one GT.

and one Ms Pooley, lovely lovely Ms Pooley....

Anyways.... what a day indeed. Sitting on the pavement all day to get these shots was not the best plan, my legs are in a shocking state! I was walking around Tesco earlier like i'd lost my horse!. But to get the best shots........ and back at HQ I was in my element - snapping away and making sure that we got our moneys worth out of these sportsmen, after all - it's part of their job surely? (not that you would have gathered that from Mr grumpy pants Wiggins).
It was funny to see grown men acting like three year olds getting autographs - I will not mention Alldepies name......... but i'm sure he nearly did a little wee he was so excited..... ah. On the other hand, seeing Ms Shaw in her skin suit................ easy tiger.....easy.....

more pics will follow......

 

[Proto]

Excellent Fairweather et al.

I heard Mr Wiggins was very grumpy and wouldn't put on the championship jersey. Bad form

 

[Paulus]

It can be very good fun marshaling at a TT. I did a few years back for my then club. I also managed to Get Sean Yate's autograph. It was the last competitive race he did before retiring

 

[515mm]

Excellent Fairweather et al.

I heard Mr Wiggins was very grumpy and wouldn't put on the championship jersey. Bad form

In his defence - the jersey was about three sizes too small so he would have looked like a proper arse trying to get it on - he did hold it out bullfighter fashion and laughed as he did so for the snaps. Perhaps the boy is a bit shy........