Team Echelon triathlete, Heather Rees recently competed in the 70.3 Ironman World Triathlon Championships held in Florida.

After qualifying for the event at the gruelling UK 70.3 race held in Exmoor, Heather continued a successful season, with an age group win and overall top 10 placing at the Vitruvian Triathlon in September.

he World Championship event consists of a 1.2 mile sea swim, 56 mile bike leg, followed by a half marathon. The course in Florida provides fast racing conditions for the field of 1500 triathletes. Heather finished the World Championship race in 21st place, rounding off the season with a strong performance at the event.

With 2 events remaining, Joe Page of Pershore based Echelon-Spiuk, leads the Junior Competiton in the Midlands Cyclo Cross League after coming 4th in the Shipston on Stour Event and 5th in the Cannock Event. He took the 2nd Junior and 1st Junior places respectively.

Father, Vince, is also riding extremely well presently lying in 3rd place in the Vets Competition after being placed 7th in both events.

Competing in the Welsh Cyclo cross league at Mansell Lacey near Hereford, Vince and Joe Page had difficulties to overcome when both punctured losing them time. However, with a concerted effort, they clawed their way back to finish well placed as 3rd Vet for Vince and 2nd Junior for Joe finishing 10th and 12th overall respectively.

Steve Dring took part in the Rempstone Forest Duathlon in Dorset which attracted nearly 100 competitors and consisted of a 2 mile run,10mile mountain bike and a further 2 mile run. After the opening run Steve was lying 15th, but with his strongest section on the bike he to moved into 7th place. Unable to hold his position in the final run he dropped a couple of places to finish with a creditable 9th overall.

Three gold medals were gained by Arja Scarsbrook of Echelon-Spiuk Team ,when she competed in the World Master Championship held in Porto, Portugal.

The week long Championships attracted 400 riders from 57 different nations including strong teams from USA and Australia many of whom are ex professionals and past World and Olympic Champions. Arja won Gold in her age group in the 500meters Time Trial, the Individual 2000meters Pursuit and the Points Race, a fantastic overall performance by a fine athlete taking her home nation,Finland, to the middle of the medals table.

Brian Newton accompanied Arja and rode in the 70+ age group exceeded his expectations when he acheived the Bronze medal in the 2000metres Pursuit and 4th place in the 500metres Time Trial .

Vince Page took 5th place in the latest round of the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League at Wolverhampton. It proved quite an eventful ride for Vince as when lying in 5th position he punctured and had to run the rest of the lap before changing bikes and dropping back to 20th. However he fought hard to regain his 5th position by the finish line. Daughter, Holly, competed in the Youth Race where she finished 17th in the race but took the honours as first girl home.

Steve Dring ended his Road Racing season finishing 10th overall after 3 weeks of racing in the Ottershaw series in Surrey. He took 17th,12th and 7th respectively in the 100k races.

Arja Scarsbrook, Echelon-Spiuk, continues to excel in Track Events winning gold in her age group in the Sprint competition at the LVRC National Championship held at the Velodrome in Newport. This was a particularly fine event for Echelon-spiuk as she was competing in the final against team mate Brian Newton who took the silver. Brian has not competed very much this season after his tragic accident last year and so this was a fine performance to reach the final of the event.Arja followed this up with a silver medal in the Points Competition coming second to former professional, Derek Woodings. These performances bode well for the forthcoming World Masters Championship to be held in Portugal.

Joe Page rode the National Hill Climb Championship at Dovers Hill near Broadway finishing in a very respectable 5th place in the Junior Event.

With the Cyclo Cross season in full swing the Page family, Echelon-Spiuk, have got off to a blistering start. In the fourth round held at Baggeridge Park, Wolverhampton, Joe took an early lead before taking a spill on the final lap and having to concede to Steve Knight and Phil Blacker for 3rd place but first Junior. Father Vince was not far behind in 6th place.

Following up at Lutterworth in the 5th round, where there were over 100 starters, they reversed the order with Vince taking 4th but Joe was close on his tail in 5th, for 1st Junior position.

These fine results have given them both the overall lead in their respective categories, Joe being first Junior, and Vince first Vet.

Echelon-Spiuk members rode the Gloucester City 25m TT on a wet and windy day with a shortened course due to roadworks, where they had a successful end to the Time Trialling Season winning the Team Award. Stefan Harrison led the team finishing in 3rd place with a time of 53.25mins, but was well supported by Simon Osborne in 55.43mins and with a rare appearance for manager, Tim Wood, in 14th place returning a superb time of 57.42mins.

James Wall finished off with another fine win in the Coventry 10m TT with 20.20mins and Stefan Harrison took 6th in 21.10mins.

The Page family took part in the Speedwell Hill Climb which combined the ascent of Saintbury and Dovers Hill where Vince and son Joe won the overall father and son team prize. In the 2nd round of the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League at Lichfield, both rode very strongly with Joe taking 3rd place closely followed by Vince in 4th.

Echeolon-Spiuk member, Paul Dring, had a fine finish to the end of his racing season winning the 63mile Stafford Grand Prix held at Swinnerton. There were numerous breaks which were nullified until on the final lap Paul with two other riders managed to pull clear to gain a minute at the finish with Paul winning the final sprint.

Meanwhile, brother Steve, finished 8th at the Portsmouth Circuit Race and 10th on the Ilton Circuit.

Alan Colburn completed his injury interrupted season taking 2nd Standard Vet in the Velo Club Sevale Open 10 m TT with a time 28.01mins.

Riding the Rudy Project Event in Yorkshire over 22miles, Warren King returned a time of 57.22mins for 7th place in the Veteran's competition.

Two members of the Women's Tri Team competed in the Newent Sprint Triathlon with Fran Osborne taking 2nd place in the female 40+ category in a time of 1.05.14hrs. Fran finished 6th in the swim,but first in her her category for the bike and run splits. Marianne Day came 4th in the female 25+ cat in a time 1.05.27hrs being 4th in all 3 disciplines in her category.

In the opening event of the West Midland League Cyclo Cross season held at Redditch Joe Page and father, Vince made an excellent start taking 4th and 5th place respectively.

From left to right-Ceris, Styler, Victoria Gill and Joanne Walker.

Two members of the Echelon Women's Triathlon Team competed for Great Britain in the ITU World Duathlon Championships held in Edinburgh. The event consisted of a 10 km run, 41km cycle and with a 5 km run to finish. The Holyrood Park Road was closed to traffic for the race circuit circling the famous Arthur's Seat. It provided a stern test for all the competitors, with plenty of climbing involved on both the run and bike.

Ceris Styler competing in the 30-34 age category was lying in 6th place after the first run 2.45mins down on early leader and strong favourite, Victoria Gill. During the 5 laps of the cycle ride Ceris set about reducing this deficit producing the fastest womens bike ride of the day to give her a time advantage of 25 secs at the start of the final 5km run. This gap was not quite large enough as Gill managed to overhaul Ceris to win the event by 30secs. With Ceris taking the silver.

Fran Osborne competed in the 45-49 age category where she finished in the top half of her category in 17th place amongst a competetive field of athletes from all over the world.

Making a family double brother of Ceris, James Gilfillin, formerly a member of VC Sevale Malvern, won the world title for his age category by a remarkable 6 mins.

In the Port Talbot Wheelers 25m TT some very fast times were recorded with Stefan Harrison achieving a personal best time of 50.48mins for 13th place in the senior event. Junior, Joe Page, recorded a personal best time of 57.23mins with father, Vince timing in at 57.57mins and daughter, Holly coming home with a superb time of 1.05.18mins. The event was won by National Champion, Michael Hutchinson in 46.09mins.

Echelon-Spiuks James Wall competed in the BDCA 10 mile where he finished 2nd in a time of 21.42mins ably supported by team mate Stefan Harrison who recorded 21.58mins for 3rd place.
A week later in the British Cycling Time Trial Championship, over 30 miles, held in the LLandovery area with a list of strong competitors hoping to gain the national jersey , James finished in a very creditable 12th place with 1.11.13hrs. The event was won by Team Sky's Bradley Wiggins in 1.04.55hrs.

In the Ladies Event over 20 miles Michelle Parsons was placed 20th in 51.59mins The event winner was Emma Pooley, Cevelo Team , 44.30 mins.

Riding the Leamington 10mile TT Alan Colburn ,returning to racing after a hand operation , recorded 27.35mins to take 2nd Standard place. Brian Newton took 3rd Standard place with 25.51mins. Competing in the 2-Up event Vince and Holly Page were 4th overall but 1st mixed Team in the under 40 age group with a time of 23.42mins.

Whilst Arja Scarsbrook teamed up with John Dixon to record 24.36mins for the 1st mixed pair in the over 40 age group.

Vince and Joe Page took part in the Cheltenham 25 mile TT recording 1.02.34hrs and 1.04.50hrs with Joe going on in the afternoon to race in the Warwick Town Centre Criterium where he broke away with 4 other riders with the group dominating the race.In the final sprint for the line Joe took the honours for a fine 1st place.

Paul Dring rode the Castle Coombe Circuit Race over 18 laps. He broke away on the 2nd lap and was joined by two other riders and the trio maintained their lead until the finish where Paul took 3rd place in the final sprint.

Joe Page rode the International Junior tour of Wales 3-Day RR with over 105 competitors where he finished well up on each stage to come 32nd overall ,a fine performance for a first year Junior.

Echelon-Spiuk's Joe Page continues in fine form taking 3rd place in the Stourport Circuit Race and then going under the hour for the first time in the Coventry 25 m TT with a time of 59.33m. In the same Time Trial, Worcester St Johns man in form Adam Hart, came 8th with a time of 57.32mins and Holly Page finished with a great time of 1.08.48hrs.

In the Rudy Project Event over 22kms around Gt Witley, Stefan Harrison was 3rd Vet in 39.15mins and Warren King 7th in 41.48mins.

Competing in the Welsh National 100 mile championship Paul Dring returned 3.57.07hrs for 6th place.

Steve Dring and Junior, Joe Page rode the Surrey League 80mile Elite Road Race held in horrendous conditions with heavy rain and thunder causing many spills and punctures. Steve rode well to finish in the second breakaway group in 12th place whilst Joe, cramping in the last few miles, had to settle for a fine 27th position.

Steve Dring also rode the 80mile Chippenham RR again being in the second breakaway group where he took 17th place.

Echelon-Spiuk member, Arja Scarsbrook, representing her home country of Finland, had a fantastic week of racing in the European Masters Track Championships at the Manchester Velodrome. Competing in the 50+ Age Group Arja won the gold medal in the 500 metre TT and then went on to collect the silver medal in the 2000 metre Individual Pursuit and in doing so she came within 12 hundredths of a second of breaking the 60+ world record with a time of 2.46.050 minutes.

Vince Page continued his good road racing form in the Solihull 60m RR breaking away on the second lap and coming 4th in this group in the final sprint.

In the Rugby 10 m TT James Wall returned a fine 20.04m to take 2nd place behind Matt Botterill 19.30m. Mark Heath finished 8th with a very creditable time of 21.27m.

In the Cambridge 10 m TT Stefan Harrison clocked 20.31m and Warren King 22.06m with the fastest time recorded by the National Champion ,Michael Hutchinson, 18.59m.

In the Circuit Racing, Paul Dring claimed 8th place at Mallory Park whist brother Steve was 12th on the Ilton Circuit.

The Page family produced some excellent results for the Echelon-Spiuk Team with Joe taking 2nd place in the Stourport Circuit Races, being narrowly beaten in a five up sprint, and following up with 4th in the Senior Event to upgrade him to a 2nd Category Rider in his first year of Senior competition.In the same race, father Vince, took 5th place just behind Joe.

Vince had his best result of the season in the Enville RR over 62 miles when he took 3rd place overall and winning his age category.

Fran Osborne, riding in the Echelon -Spiuk colours for the first time, recorded a fine 1.08.00hrs,just 2 seconds behind the fastest lady, to take 2nd place in the Warwickshire 25m TT at Alcester .This race was part of her preparation for the World Duathlon Championship in September.

Simon Osborne finished 10th fastest in the Severn RC 10m TT with a time of 23.32m.

In the Cardiff 25m TT Overflow Event Arja Scarsbrook returned a fabulous time of 1.02.21hrs which gave her 5th position overall.

For the second time this season, James Wall of Team Echelon Spiuk just missed out on the podium, in the National 100 mile time trial Championships held in Norfolk. Wall finished in a fine time of 3.40.40hrs for 4th place. The winner was Michael Hutchinson with a championship record of 3.23.04hrs. Wall was backed up by team mates Paul Dring in 17th place with 3.55.51hrs and brother Steve Dring 4.06.53hrs. The combined times were enough to give the team 3rd place overall. Completing a great day for the team Michelle Parsons finished in a superb 5th place in the Women's championships with 4.09.11hrs, behind winner Julia Shaw.

Elsewhere, the veteran Alan Colbourn claimed 2 wins on standard with 27.01hrs in the Worcester St Johns 10 mile time trial and 27.59hrs in the Redditch 10 mile time trial.

In road racing, Junior Joe Page sprinted to 5th place in the Paramount RR in Shropshire, his highest finish in a senior road race. Joe's father Vince was clear on the last lap, but caught in the last few miles. The positions were reversed in the Cheltenham circuit race where Vince was 3rd from a break of 4 riders and Joe coming home in 8th place at the head of the chasing bunch.

Echelon-Spuik team member James Wall competed in the National 50 mile TT Championships in Hampshire where he recorded a fine time of 1.45.30hrs to give him 10th position. Michael Hutchinson InGear/Quickvit retained his title with a superb time of 1.38.55hrs.

The Pershore based team led by Stephan Harrison, 2nd in 1.52.28, Mark Heath, 8th 1.58.51 and Simon Osborne with a personal best time of 2.00.58hrs took the overall team award in the Shirley RC 50mile TT at Alcester. Michelle Parsons who clocked 2.07.10hrs was the fastest lady in the event.

Alan Colburn riding after a short lay off returned 27.59mins to give him 1st Veteran on Standard in the Redditch 10m TT.

Riding in the Stourport Circuit Races Joe Page took 3rd in his event and Vince Page was 10th in the Senior Race.Also,they were placed 12th and 13th respectively at the Cheltenham Race Course Circuit.

In the Milton Keynes Bowl Circuit, Steve Dring took 9th place.

Competing in the National 25m TT Championships in Yorkshire Echelon-Spiuk member James Wall did a superb ride to take 4th spot with 52.08mins, 19seconds off the bronze medal. The winner was 10mile Champion and reigning 25m Champion ,Michael Hutchinson of In-Gear /Quickvit who recorded 49.34mins. Stefan Harrison clocked 57.45mins.

Arja Scarsbrook was first lady home in her age group with 1.07.25 hrs.

In the Evesham and District 10m TT at Alcester Mark Heath returned a fine time of 21.32mins.

Meanwhile on the Road Racing scene Steve Dring took 6th place in the Moreton Evening Handicap RR and followed up with 5th at the Upavon Circuit RR.

Echelon-Spiuk rider Stefan Harrison competed in the Echelon sponsored VTTA 2 day TT event at Stafford where he was very successful claiming 2nd place with 21.58mins in the 10 mile TT and 4th in the Hilly 25m TT in a time of 1.00.17 hrs. The winner of both events was Scott Westwood, Walsall CC with 21.12mins and 57.18mins respectively. Fellow clubmate Mark Heath recorded 22.46mins to take 4th place in the 10m event.

In the Beacon RC 10 m TT at Alcester Jo Page was the fastest junior returning 23.14mins whilst father Vince timed in at 22.42mins.The winner was Richard Bradley with 20.21mins.

Steve Dring rode the Surrey League Circuit Race at Goodwood where he broke away early in the race with 5 other riders who all managed to stay clear to the end with Steve taking 4th place in the sprint.

On the hottest day of the year so far, Echelon-Spiuk members competed in the National 10m TT Championship at Alcester where Michael Hutchinson retained his title returning a superb time of 18.37mins setting up a new course record. James Wall timed in at 20.19mins for 15th position, supported by Dave Barnes 21.28, Stefan Harrison 21.44 and Mark Heath 22.18mins.

In the Ladies Event, Arja Scarsbrook won her age category with very creditable 24.51mins whilst Michelle Parsons, changing from Triathlon to Time Trials, recorded 22.56mins to be placed 7th in her age group.

Joe Page represented the club in the Junior event and recorded 23.09mins just missing his personal best time by 4 secs. Also, Joe rode the Wyre Forest promotion round the new Circuit at Stourport where after trying on several occasions to break away had to settle for 2nd place in the bunch sprint.

Steve Dring competed in the Southern Division Championships over 95 miles around Salisbury Plain. The heat took its toll and the race was split into many groups. Steve came home in the 2nd group for 18th place.

Vince Page chose to ride in the VTTA 10 mile TT at Cirencester claiming 10th place with a time of 22.22mins behind winner Dean Robson 20.08mins.

Warming up for the National 10 mile Championship this coming weekend at Alcester James Wall, Echelon-Spiuk, is showing good form finishing in 2nd place in the Lea Valley 10 m TT behind reigning National Champion, Michael Hutchinson 18.52mins whilst James recorded 19.23mins. In the same event other good times were recorded by Dave Barnes 20.42mins and Stefan Harrison 21.24mins.

Steve Dring rode the Woodlands Handicap Event in Wessex where he took 2nd place in the final sprint. Also, in the opening event of the evening Moreton handicap series he finished in 5th spot.

In the Climb on Bikes RR at Hereford, Vince Page and Joe Page took 11th and 14th in the sprint finish with Marcus Walker 15th.

Echelon-Spiuk rider James Wall competed in the National Rudy Project Time Trial Event at Doncaster where he produced a fine time of 57.41mins to take third place behind winner, National Champion, Michael Hutchinson 56.33mins and only 8 seconds behind Matt Bottrill who returned 57.33mins.

In the Veterans Event over 1 lap of the circuit Warren King also produced an excellent time of 32.06mins to place him 3rd behind winner Ian Dalton who recorded 30.00mins.

In the Road Racing discipline Vince Page finished in 6th place in the Wyre Forest Veterans Event whilst Steve Dring came 11th in the Ilton Circuit Race in Somerset.

Echelon-Spiuk won the Team Award in the Beacon Hilly 39mile TT Midlands Spoco event which included the climbs of Ankerdine and Stanford Bank. David Barnes, placed 4th, led the team with 1.44.57hrs, Stefan Harrison was 7th in 1.50.26hrs and was well supported by Simon Osborne 1.53.46hrs and Warren King 1.55.21hrs.

On a cold, windy morning Paul Dring rode the Chester RC 50 mile TT taking 4th place with 1.56.48hrs.

78 year old Alan Colburn rode his first event of the season at the Stratford 10 mile TT which he completed in 26.41mins.He followed this up with the Coventry Event where he took the 3rd Veteran on Standard Award with 27.44 mins. beating his team mate Brian Newton who is making a recovery after his serious accident early last season, by 2 secs. Arja Scarsbrook recorded 26.13mins. and Warren King did a 23.20 mins.

Stefan Harrison rode his first Road Race in the Shropshire League where took 5th place in the bunch finish.

Joe and father Vince Page were active in the Lichfield RR but had to settle for places in the main bunch.

James Wall continues to excel for the Echelon-Spiuk Team winning the Abertillery 25 mile TT at Monmouth setting a new course record with a time of 50mins dead. He was well supported by David Barnes in 6th place with 53.41mins and manager, Tim Wood, who was placed 12th with 55.13mins which gained them the Team award.

The previous day James improved his personal best time at the Bath 10m TT near Cirencester returning a time of 19.24 mins. Once again with the times recorded by David Barnes 20.32mins, and Mark Heath 21.08mins they took the overall Team honours.

The 80 mile Echelon Elite Road Race promotion around Welland was won by Ben Luckwell of the Williers Team. Ian Fagan, Team Nemesis, was the best of the local riders sprinting to a fine 6th place with Steve and Paul Dring, Adrian Bird and Ian Treadwell finishing with the main field

With the favourable weather conditions over the last weekend Echelon-Spiuk riders have returned some sparkling times in 25 mile TT. James Wall competed in the Burton 25m at Uttoxeter where he broke the 30 mph barrier to record 49.08mins - a personal best time over this distance and the fastest time in the event.

Dave Barnes led the Team to overall victory in the Acme Wheelers 25m TT at Glyneath recording a time of 51.28mins well supported by his fellow members who all recorded personal best times at this distance reducing them by as much as 2mins with Paul Dring 52.04mins, Simon Osborne 54.39mins and Mark Heath 54.44mins. The event was won by Ceri Pritchard (Planet X) in 49.50mins.

Joe Page,riding as a Junior in two Senior Road Races for the first time, finished with the bunch on both occasions and was placed 18th in the Two Counties RR at Bridgnorth where father, Vince, took
8th position.

Echelon-Spiuk competed in the Speedwell 28mile TT around the Inkberrow area where they took the Team award with David Barnes in 5th place with 1.05.17 hrs, Stefan Harrison 6th 1.06.25hrs, Mark Heath in 7th with 1.08.05hrs and Tim Wood with 1.09.11hrs.Riding in the same event , Michelle Parsons recorded 1.13.52hrs to take the fastest Ladies award.

Some quick times were recorded in the Stratford 10 mile TT on the Alcester course where James Wall took 3rd spot, 5 seconds behind the winner Matt Clinton, with a time of 20.15 mins. Other times were David Barnes 21.17 mins,Vince Page 22.39mins and Arja Scarsbrook 25.25 mins.

In the Hereford Wheelers 25 mile TT Dave Barnes took 3rd spot with 59.07mins. In the same event Simon Osborne recorded 1.02.16hrs and junior Joe Page 1.07.00hrs.

On the Road Racing scene Steve Dring took 9th at the Ilton Circuit Race in Somerset.

Echelon-Spiuk member James Wall continues his dominant form winning the Spoco Elizabethan Hilly 21 mile TT around Bridgnorth with a time of 49.20mins. He was well supported by his team mates, Dave Barnes in third place with 52.31mins, Warren King 5th with 54.38mins and Tim Wood, Team Manager, 9th with 57.18mins, their combined times gaining them the Overall Team Award.

James Wall went on to take second place in the Open VC Sevale 10 mile TT on the Severn Stoke Course with a time of 21.02mins. Paul Dring and Arja Scarsbrook opened up their TT season with times of 22.22 and 26.19 mins respectively to place Paul 8th and Arja 2nd on Standard Time and 3rd fastest lady.

Warren King took 9th in the first of the Veteran Rudy Project Series over 24 miles in the Bath region with a time of 1.04.31hrs.

Steve Dring maintained his good form in the Barnsfield Circuit Races where he broke away with three other riders taking 2nd place in the final sprint.

James Wall won the Spoco 22 mile event promoted by Stourbridge Velo over two laps of the Bobbington course with a time of 50.16mins, 1 minute faster than his rivals.

Riding the one lap event of 11miles, Vince Page won his first Time Trial for 24 years pushing his son, Joe into second spot by just one second. Their respective times of 27.27mins and 27.28mins gave them first place in the Veteran and Junior Categories.

Steve Dring opened up his circuit racing season with 6th place at Upavon and followed on with a win at Barnesfield when he broke away from the bunch with two other riders and took the final uphill sprint.

Echelon-Spiuk have set off to a great start with 5 podium places in their opening events.

Simon Osborne and wife Fran competed in the Cirencester Duathlon Relay and undaunted by the wet and windy conditions, Fran set up a good pace in the 2 mile run to give Simon a healthy lead going into the 10 mile cycle ride which he held. Fran finished the event with a further 2 mile run to give them the overall honours.

New member, James Wall, chose the Banbury Hardriders 23m TT, which included the ascent of Sunrise Hill. His time of 52:49mins gave him a winning margin of over 2 mins.

Steve Dring rode the Rempstone Forest Duathlon where he was placed 18th after the 4 mile run, moved up to 2nd after being fastest in the 15 mile bike section and was able to hold this position in the final 2 mile run.

Simon Osborne and Mark Heath opened up their TT season with a time of 57:14mins to give them 3rd place in the Severn RC 25 mile 2-Up TT. In the same Event father and son team,Vince and Joe Page, took the Senior/Junior prize with 1:02:31hrs.

Alan Colburn has been elected President of the National VTTA Association after serving on the Board for 3 years. Recently he has been the Secretary of the District having been an active member of the VTTA for 17 years.