Clee Cycles / KCNC / High5 Race Team

The Clee Cycles Race Team compete in XC and marathon races, as well as many enduros and 24hr events.

We are proud to be sponsored by KCNC Components and HIGH5 Advanced Sport Nutrition.

Riding this season are:-
Jonathan Pugh (Elite), Andy Jones (Expert), Dave Winter(Sport) and Ben Jones (Masters)

Results this season are listed below with a brief report.

Results 2010

The SPAM Winter Challenge 2010

Another very cold start to the year, but the frozen ground made for a really fast event. Two riders completed the 50km course in just over 2hrs : Andy Jones in 2h16 and Jonathan Pugh in 2h20, on a single speed. A good start to the year!

Results 2009

Forest of Dean Enduro

A beautiful autumnal day welcomed riders in the Forest of Dean. A good field took off in dusty conditions to tackle 4 10mile laps. Jonathan Pugh started at a steady pace and made his way to the front for the final lap to finish as the first Elite rider. Andy Jones put in a solid 4 laps and finished 5th in the Masters. A top day of racing!

The start of the Elite and Masters race - photo courtesy of Roy Bevis, roysrides@tiscali.co.uk.

Merida Marathon

Another sunny weekend in Wales and another tough Ruthin Marathon course. Jonathan Pugh continued his good form and was the first to completed the full 85km route in a time of 4h09, Andy Jones finished in a respectable 4h40.

A special mention goes to the TNC boys who bravely attempted their first marathon event at Ruthin, and no less than the 75km route! All four riders completed the course in less than 7 hrs and can be seen below with Andy after receiving their t-shirts. Well done boys - see you next year!

Brecon Beast

Another lovely day for the Beast and a good turn out. Jonathan Pugh and Andy Jones turned out for the Clee Cycles/KCNC/High5 Race Team, Jon rode strongly and completed the gruelling 100km course in first place and a time of 4h09, and Andy was the 4th rider home in 4h34.

TransWales 2009 - Success

Jonathan Pugh - Male Solo Winner

Andy and Ben Jones - Male Team 2nd Place

The TransWales event is a seven-day MTB stage challenge across Wales, covering some 550 km with 15,500 m of climbing. The event is comprised of seven linking stages (~80 km per day), where the competitors ride from A to B within a given time limit, and four special stages, where the riders tackle a short course (~10 km) against the clock (i.e. a time trial). Clee-Cycles entered three riders this year: Jonathan Pugh in the Men's solo category, and Andy and Ben Jones in the Men's pairs category. Day 1 eased the riders in to the event with a 91 km linking stage from Builth Wells to Llanidloes. Day 2 took the riders from Llanidloes to Machynlleth, where the first special stage was held around the Climachx trail. After a gruelling linking stage, the Clee-Cycles riders dug deep and blasted round the Climachx trail, with Jon winning the solo catagory by 2.5 minutes and Andy and Ben finishing in second place, by only 3 seconds. The competitors rode from Machynlleth to Cwmystwyth on day 3, stopping off at Nant-y-Arian half way for the second special stage. Nant-y-Arian provided a great venue for the special stage with a long single-track decent, followed by a long fire track climb - the leg burner. Jon flew up the hill to extend his lead by a minute, while Ben and Andy lost 30 seconds to the RAF, finishing in second. Day 4 took the riders from Cwymystwyth to Cilycm on some of the best trails the week, including the breath taking Doethie valley. After a short break, and some filming by BBC Wales, the competitors were back out for the third special stage - the NiteRider night stage. As was becoming the norm, Jon won the Men's Solo category, while Andy and Ben finished second in the Men's pairs. Day 5 took the riders from Cilycm to Llansewel, via Brechfa Forest, where the final special stage was held on very fast rolling single track trials. Jon, once again, won the men's Solo category, and second was the best Andy and Ben could manage in the men's pairs. With the special stages complete, day 6 provided a more relaxed linking stage to Llanwrtyd Wells, covering 71 km and 2400 m of climbing, with some tough riding, including the Mynydd Mallaeh moorland fell at 448m. The final day provided a shorter 62 km linking stage from Llanwrtyd Wells back to Builth Wells for the final presentations and a well deserved beer. Jon completed a dominant week winnning the solo category in a time of 49:56:55, five and a half minutes ahead of the second place rider Josh Ibbett. Andy and Ben finished second in the pairs category, in a time of 50:03:49, two and a half minutes behind the Dan Lewis and Neil Richardson from the RAF.

Sleepless in the Saddle - Overall Team Winners

With a good weather forecast, there were high expectations for a good weekend of racing at Sleepless this year; despite all the rain in the preceeding week and the slightly sticky conditions. The Clee-Cycles team comprised Andy, Jon, Dave and Ben. After a mid-week victory in a cross-country run, Jon was volunteered to be first man out for the Le Mans style start, and he crossed the start line in third place after the 800m run and handing the baton over in second place after the first lap on the bike. Dave took on the challenge and blasted round to hand over to Ben in first position! A slack hand-over at the next change pushed the team back to fifth, until a scorching lap from Jonny, the fastest lap of the race at 33 mins, handed the lead back to the team. The team pushed hard through the night and, despite the very sticky conditions, opened up a gap over the Salsa Factory team in second position. The team held on to this lead as the sun came out the next morning, and a final lap from Jon saw the team finish the race one lap clear of the opposition.

A great result! To top that Jon Pugh also won the "King of the Night" competition by putting in the fastest night lap; a staggering 36 minutes.

Merida Marathon

Only Jonny Pugh made it all the way up for the Selkirk Merida, fighting hard to be third rider home, in the 100 km category, in a time of 4 hrs 23 min. Great ride!

Twentyfour-12

Clee Cycles entered two pairs in the 12hr event this year. And it was a case of youthfulness against experience as a guest appearance by Richard Samuel as a partner to Andy Jones meant the Team 1 pair were giving away a combined total of 18 years to the sprightly Dave Winter and Ben Jones in Team 2. Team 1 got away to an early lead and raced like the younger of the two teams - pulling out a 5 min lead and maintaining it for the first half of the race. But the early pace told and Team two slowly reeled in the lead and after a couple of laps of wheel to wheel racing pulled away to leave the aging Team 1 finishing 4mins behind. As the midnight finish closed in Ben and Dave put in consistently quick laptimes to claimed third place in the race, just failing to catch second. Andy and Rich limped home in fourth spot with Richard nursing a torn calf muscle.
An excellent race in a dry 12hr event! Well done to Dave and Ben for getting on the poduimm, and a big thank you to Richard for a gutsy performance - hopefully we'll see him again in Clee Cycles colours!

Merida Marathon

A downpour on Saturday Night ended the possibilty of a dry a dusty Summer Merida Marathon. A fantastic course held up well and provided some spectacular riding in the wilderness of Mid Wales.
A fresh Jonnie Pugh rode well to come in second behind Nick Craig in a little under 4hrs for the full 80km route. Andy Jones managed a time of 4h 18mins, followed shortly by Dave Winter, but Ben Jones suffered a mechanical half way down the Doethie valley and had to walk back with Joel Shotton - but lovely views boys!

Dragon XC Rd3

Another testing course provided everything in mountain bike racing from steep, wearing climbs to greasy high speed corners, and a bit of mud at the end! It was all packed into a short lap with no time for recovery!
Three riders turned out for Clee Cycles - a disappointed Jonathan Pugh had work commitments and didn't get chance to compete for the Welsh Championship Jersey. Dave Winter rode strongly to obtain a 3rd place podium in the Sport category. Andy didn't really get on terms with the cousre until the end off the Masters race, and in fact took a swim early on to the delight of the huge crowd gathered in the arena! Ben Jones rode well but tired towards the end of the 7 lap race, they placed 11th and 13th respectivley. For full results see the Timelaps website.
A good event once again, despite the weather - well done Dragon XC.

A flying Dave Winter on his way to a podium finish in the Men's Sport Race.

British MTB Series 2009 - Rd4

Mountain Mayhem

Another cracking Mayhem, but a first lap mechanical dropped the 4 man Clee Cycles team 15mins behind the leaders, and then a night time injury finally scuppered the team's chances of a placing.
Jonathan Pugh rode well for the Bad Ass Big Guns team winning the Open Team event, and placing third overall.

Marin Rough Ride

A beautiful day in the Welsh Borders saw over 900 riders tackle the Rough Ride. Jonathan Pugh continued his excellent form as the first rider home - finishing in 3hrs 57 mins, 28mins ahead of team mate Andy Jones who was the second rider home. Joel Shotton was the other team member , cruising round in a time of 5hrs 17mins.

Kona Bristol Bikefest

"Wet" would be a good word to describe the 2009 Bristol Bikefest. Despite clearing skies on Sunday, the heavy rain preceding the event gave rise to a very wet, but equally entertaining, course. Clee Cycles riders Dave Winter and Ben Jones entered the 6 hour pairs open category on Sunday, racing well to finish in 4th position.

Trek British Marathon Champs

A strong field lined up for the 2009 British Marathon Champs and a superb ride from Jonathan Pugh saw him just miss out on a medal as he rode at the front and hold his own with the favourites for the first half of the race. A break from Oli Beckingsale on lap 3 split the front pack. Beckingsale put in a final lap of 52 mins leaving Paul Oldam 2nd after Ian Bibby punctured, and Jon to follow him 3 mins later to gain an excellent 4th Place.
Andy Jones survived his first marathon for 2 years and finished 19th.
Joel Shotton, recovering from illness, finished 15th in the half marathon.
A testing course in typical Margam high temperatures - a good weekend once more.

British MTB Series 2009 - Rd3

Two Clee Cycles riders turned out for the third round of the British MTB Series, both competing in the Sport Category. Soaring temperatures limited Dave Winter to 15th place, while Ben Jones finished in 7th place.

Merida Marathon

The second round of the marathon series was held at Crickhowell and provided a tough new challenge for the riders. A stunning ride by Jonathan Pugh saw the Clee Cycles rider first man round the full 80 km course, in a time of 3:53 hrs - well ridden Jon! Andy Jones and Joel Shotton finished in 4:16 hrs and 4:29 hrs, respectively.

CLIC-24

A weekend of mixed weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the riders, who rode to raise money for the CLIC Sargent charity. Clee Cycles rider Ben Jones rode the 24 hr event solo, completing 12 laps.

British MTB Series 2009 - Rd2

The course at Dalby Forest, a tough mix of sharp climbs, steep decents and technical single track, and tested rider skill and stamina. Jonathan Pugh, riding in the Elite Men's race, suffered a broken chain and retired after the first lap. Joel Shotton rode well to finish 15th in the Expert Male race, Andy Jones was 29th in the Masters, while Dave Winter finished 11th in the Sport category.

Dragon XC Rd2

A true mountain bike course was set out by the Dragon XC gang - and it received the expected mixed opinions from riders. Testing, and too testing! You can't please everyone.
The Clee Cycles team enjoyed it though! Jonathan Pugh rode away from the Elite class to finish first - an excellent ride! Joel Shotton finished second in the Expert class, and Andy Jones managed to stay on for 5 laps finishing tenth in the Masters.
A good venue and well organised once more.

Photo of Jon Pugh climbing to the top - courtesy of Roy Bevis, roysrides@tiscali.co.uk.

Southern XC - Rd1

The first round of the Southern XC series kicked off at Bordon, where the hot weather and a dry course provided some great racing. Dave Winter came home in 9th place for Clee Cycles in the Sport Category, while Ben Jones finshed 23rd in the Masters.

Enduro 6

Catton Park provided the venue for the 2009 Wiggle Enduro 6. Clee Cycles' rider Jonny Pugh won the Mens Pairs category, with partner Ryan Beavis (Bad Ass Bikes), completing 15 laps in a time of 06:15:18. Andy Jones finished 11th in the Elite Mens category, completing 11 laps, while Joel Shotton finished 19th completing 8 laps.

Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd5

The final round of the Gorrick Spring Series saw a late venue change, which took the riders back to Tunnel Hill. Clee Cycles were represented by Ben Jones, who finished 8th in the Sport category.

Midlands XC - Rd1

Clee Cycles only rider at the first round of the Midlands XC series was Andy Jones, who finished 21st in the Masters category. It was an excellent venue and a good fun course, dry and fast - so well done to the Midlands XC crew for putting on an excellent series opening round.

Merida Marathon

The Merida Marathon series got underway with the Spring Marathon at Builth Wells. After a freezing night the mist cleared to give a warm, dry ride. Jonathan Pugh was the first rider home for Clee Cycles, completing the 68 km course in a time of 3:05 hrs, followed by Andy Jones and Ben Jones in 3:38 hrs.

British MTB Series 2009 – Rd1

Three riders made the start line for the opening round of the BMB Race Series. A beautiful day and near perfect conditions did not translate into perfect results.
An unfortunate off on lap 1 put pay to Jonathan Pugh's hopes in the Elite race. Jon recovered well but was never going to catch the lead train on his own and finished a credible 24th out of a packed field.
Joel suffered a mechanical and had to retire from the Expert race on lap 3.
A first lap flat hindered Dave in the Sport race, but he rode hard back to 31st place in the Sport race.

Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd4

Dragon XC Rd1

Mawddach Gold Rush Challenge 2009

Only Jonathan Pugh made it up to Coed Y Brenin for this timed 3 lap race of the old Red Bull route. Damp conditions didn't deter Jonathan who recorded the fastest time of the day, a time of 2h 16mins, to win the event and get his name on the plaque on the wall in the Coed Y Brenin Visitor Centre!

Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd3

March brought out the XC racers and round three of the Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series was a well attended event. The extra riders meant plenty of competition for places and some fast lap times. Once again, Jonathan Pugh was the first Clee-Cycles rider home, finishing 6th in the Expert category, followed by Joel Shotton in 15th and Andy Jones in 21st position. Dave Winter rode well to finish 11th in the Sport category.

Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd2

After a weeks delay due to the snow and ice, the second round of the Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series was held on Sunday 15th February. Despite the recent snow, the course rode surprising well and provided some good racing. Jonathan Pugh led home the Clee-Cycles riders, finishing 3rd in the Expert category, followed by Andy Jones in 8th position. While in the Sport category, Ben Jones and Dave Winter finished 8th and 9th, respectively.

Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd1

The Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series got underway with the round 1 at Yateley Heath Wood. The recent rain made it a cold sticky race which tested the early season stamina of the riders. Clee-Cycles were represented by David Winter, who finished 14th in the Sport category, and Andy Jones who pushed his bike over the line for 11th in Expert category, after puncturing on the final lap. A steady start, bring on Round 2!

The SPAM Winter Challenge 09

Very cold prior to the start, about -5C but as soon as we got to the plain the temp soared to the 2C mark - perfect! Warm (ish) air and frozen ground so it was a really fast event. It got interesting about 1/2 way round as the surface of the frozen grassy clay started to defrost - a bit greasy to say the least - but only on the grassy bits! Three riders completed the 50km in just over 2hrs : Andy Jones in 2h02, Jonathan Pugh in 2h07 on a single speed, and Ben Jones in 2h17, 1h46 was the fastest time. A good event to start the year, and good cakes afterwards!