TT Season Review 2026
It's all over and here are the results
Competition Results
Scratch League
1st - Ian Cardy
2nd - Jerome Manson
3rd - Hugo Bibby
1st Lady – Sandra Collins
Road Bike League
1st - Jerome Manson
2nd - Hugo Bibby
3rd - Mark Comely
1st Lady – Sandra Collins
Turner Tankard
1st - Paul Donergan
2nd - Andrew Reid
3rd - Jerome Manson
Colin Davies Trophy
1st - Ian Cardy
2nd - Jerome Manson
3rd - Hugo Bibby
Kathleen Smith Trophy
1st - Ian Cardy
2nd - Hugo Bibby
3rd - N/A
Hill Climb
1st - Rob Johnston
2nd - Mark Comely
3rd - Stirling Davey
A later start, but strong competition
After challenging weather conditions for the starts of the last two seasons it was agreed that we would start two weeks later than usual on 14th April.
Entries were high for the first four events with between 18 and 20 starters and it was clear from the beginning that there was going to be some strong competition between the Chelmer Road Bike competitors!
Course changes
On the whole there were few changes to courses due to roadworks but once again continuing to have two alternative courses proved beneficial. One of these was for the Turner Tankard where the alternative was 3 laps of the E39!
The only cancellation of the season was for the last event when the roadworks were not cleared in time when the call was made to cancel.
New timing system
The new CTT Live timing system was a revelation with riders able to check times and positions as soon as they were over the line. Entries were all on line through CTT with no entries on the day which means no cash for event organisers to handle.
Great value racing
We continued to run a Season Ticket for members at £40 while the individual race entry remained at £5 for adults. The CTT Levy remained at £3 per rider/event and because of the season ticket approach I await the final profit numbers for the season from Mike Gowers.
Thanks to Mike
Talking of Mike, once again he did a fantastic job of embracing the new technology with the timing system which all went without a hitch. Special mention also to Mike's Daughter Isobel who stood in for the first 4/5 events while Mike recovered from an operation.
Rider numbers
There were 15 Chelmer riders competing in the 19 events which was 2 down on last year although we did have 3 second claim members who each rode a number of events. 6 riders completed 10 or more events with one rider completing 15.
Marshals
Securing marshals and organisers continues to be an issue but all events went ahead thanks to some members taking on multiple duties. Special thanks to Stuart Clarke, Chris Regan and Russell Tribley who although they did not participate helped out on several events.
Could you help with timing?
Like last season both the Ford and Chelmer continue to rely on the services of Mike Gowers for timing. As was shown at the start of the season, Mike, now in his mid-eighties, can be subject to ill health.
Pat O Grady of the Ford has stepped up when two timekeepers are required but it would be good if The Chelmer could find someone as well.
2-Up Road Bike TT for 2027
Something new that has been proposed for next season, and has been met with enthusiasm, is the inclusion of a 2-Up TT for road bikes. It’s proposed that this is held mid-season and the results will sit outside the Club Championship.
Ian Cardy
TT Secretary