TLI Cycling

TLI Cycling, N West and IoM. 

Report to the AGM & Newsletter, Autumn 2007.

It has been another excellent year for the TLI and particularly for those of us who live and ride in the NW & IoM Region.

During the season there have been 47 events, 19 in the NW and 26 in the IoM. These can be broken down in each area within the Region as follows: -

NW – 12 road races, including a 2 stage event, and 7 time trials

IoM – 16 road races and 10 time trials including a 2up and a 3 up team time trial, and a hill climb.

There would be no events without the Race Organisers, supported by an army of club and family helpers. So on behalf of everyone who has competed this year, I would like to offer a massive vote of thanks to those who have put in so much time and effort to enable the rest of us to participate in such a varied programme of competitive events.

Riders from our region regularly find themselves in the top 3 across many of the categories at national level. It’s probably no surprise then that the racing looks and feels to be faster each year. Marc Cavendish was the winner of one of the IoM promotions. Where else would he get some decent competition?

The standard and quality of riding in the regions events are high, and everyone is to be congratulated for that. I’m not the only TLI member to take part in some of the “Whacky Races” promoted by that other big national organisation (no not the LVRC!), where to get to the finish without hitting the deck feels like an achievement in itself!

This year there are 286 members in the NW & IoM, about 50 down on 2006, but still a very impressive achievement. Virtually all the events in the NW were well supported with large numbers of competitors. The Cheshire SPOCO 10m TTs struggle on some days, but provide an excellent opportunity for newer riders, as well as the occasional star, to experience a friendly competitive event on a safe course, followed up excellent refreshments. Next season it would be a great step forwards, if we could channel first time riders to have a go. Don’t like time trials? Just pretend you’re holding off the bunch in the Tuesday night road race!

Of our 286 members, 106 are based on the IoM. In the next three places, 87 are from Cheshire, 29 from Merseyside and 22 from Staffordshire. The balance of the region’s membership represents 9 further areas, including a member from Kent!

Members belong to 63 clubs across the region. The top three on the Isle of Man are, Manx Viking Wheelers with 35, followed by Ellan Vannin and Manx RC with 26 each. On the mainland, where there is obviously more choice of club, the top three are Macclesfield Wheelers with 19, followed by Warrington RC with 11, and Weaver Valley with 8. Unattached Members have managed to recruit 17. Come on unattached men, and men you are, perhaps you might get round to supporting a local club next season!

By now you will be desperate to know the age structure of the region’s membership!

·          Juveniles / Juniors            (U 19)              32

·        Espoirs                       (19 – 22)                 4

·        Seniors                       (23 – 29)               20

·        Masters 1 & 2             (30 – 39)               56

·        A / B                           (40 – 49)               69

·        C / D                          (50 – 59)                65

·        E / F                           (60 – 69)                28

·        G / H                          (70 +)                     12

The U 19s are mainly located on the Isle of Man. This is a tribute to the tremendous cycling development opportunities in place on the island, which are producing so many national and world-class stars.

The TLI is a great organisation with an impressive history. It is in our hands to take it further forwards by continuing to promote safe, friendly and competitive cycle racing for all.

I have enjoyed the task of Membership Secretary this year and am grateful to each one of the members for making the job almost a pleasure. Thanks are owed Geoff Readman for taking on the role of Treasurer and to John Bethell, not only for the hours of time he devotes to the TLI nationally, but also for acting as the Region Secretary.

Nigel Harrop

North West & Isle of Man Membership Secretary 2007