September was supposed to be a low-key month, with the Derny Champs on the calendar — until their unfortunate cancellation. That gave me a chance to take a step back and recover a little before the autumn push.
But I didn’t stay completely away from competition. I lined up at the final Welwyn Track League of the season and rounded things off by winning the Peter Waghorn 10-mile. It was a satisfying way to close out the summer track block and carry some momentum into the next phase.
I’ve now settled back into university life at Loughborough. Like many students, I didn’t escape the inevitable bout of freshers’ flu — not the best timing! Training has been a balancing act between recovery and getting the legs moving again.
The focus is firmly on rebuilding as I prepare for my next big target: the London 3-Day. It’s an event I’ve had in mind all year, especially after the fun from last year. I am absolutely delighted to be invited back, and I’m determined to be in strong form when the gun goes.
Remembering Peter Waghorn
Winning the 10-mile event named in honour of Peter Waghorn MBE made me reflect on the incredible legacy he left behind in the Welwyn cycling community.
I first encountered Peter sat by the side of the Track on a Friday night. He always greeted me with a smile and remembered my name. I loved to have a quick chat with him and he would always ask if I was going to put a big attack in again. I promised him I would. It was only after he died that I realised what he did for the club and the sport.
- Peter took over organising the Welwyn Track League in 1968 and devoted decades to keeping it running. A massive thanks is required for this. His tireless work in cycling, sailing, and community sport earned him an MBE in 2013. Whether it was running events, supporting riders, or even timing a single competitor on a wet Tuesday night, Peter was always there for the sport. More than just an organiser, he was someone who remembered names, numbers, and stories, and in doing so, kept the community alive and connected.
The Peter Waghorn 10-mile is more than just a race — it’s a living tribute to someone who gave so much to the sport. Racing and winning it this year was a special moment for me and I hope the way that I won it, ‘with a big attack’, would have him smiling from his seat at the start line.
Massive thanks as ever to the sponsors: Highway Cycles, Pedal Potential, Matts Auto Repair Services, TLC Live Tutors, Saffron Walden Round Table and Brookfield Properties London.
If you would like to come to London 3 Day it runs from the Oct 31st to Nov 2nd and you can get a 25% discount with OLC25 code! https://www.london3day.com/
Gilbank Racing 