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Runners and Riders

๐ŸšดThe Annual Mid-Summer Criterium ๐Ÿšด

Official Post-Race Report & Form Review

"The dust has settled, the pizza has vanished, and the stopwatch never lies."

๐Ÿ† Official General Classification
Rank Name Speed HR Power Official Time
1 Dan Mitchell | Maison Du Vรฉlo 34.4 km/h 161 bpm 219 W 03:02:08
2 Paul Drake | Maison du Velo & In Gear Cycles ๐Ÿฆ† 34.4 km/h 146 bpm 192 W 03:02:09
3 Charlie Butcher 34.4 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:02:10
4 Keith Lea 33.4 km/h 154 bpm 199 W 03:07:30
5 Andy Taylor 30.4 km/h 147 bpm 182 W 03:26:24
6 Chris Carney 30.4 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:26:27
7 Marcus Brueton 30.4 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:26:27
8 Nicholas Barratt 30.2 km/h 141 bpm 121 W 03:27:40
9 Gavin Pollock 29.8 km/h 144 bpm 169 W 03:30:22
10 Michael Gates 29.8 km/h 154 bpm โ€” 03:30:25
11 Si Holmes 29.8 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:30:25
12 Tim Cole 30.6 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:31:49
13 Matt Child 29.8 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:34:07
14 Matthew Day 29.1 km/h 143 bpm โ€” 03:35:23
15 Chris Collins 29.1 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:35:23
16 Paul Dempsey 29.1 km/h 157 bpm 171 W 03:35:23
17 G Moloko 29.1 km/h 164 bpm 183 W 03:35:23
18 Alex Green โ€” โ€” โ€” 03:36:53
19 Jon Barron 28.2 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:42:04
20 Paul Radford 28.2 km/h โ€” 171 W 03:42:04
21 Peter Wolsey 28.2 km/h 132 bpm 172 W 03:42:05
22 Jason Smith 28.2 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:42:10
23 Daniel Burt 28.2 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:42:10
24 Mossi ! 28.1 km/h 124 bpm 173 W 03:43:24
25 Harry Dixon โ€” โ€” โ€” 03:44:51
26 Eddie Cumberland โ€” -- โ€” 03:52:00
27 Anthony Dyer 24.1 km/h โ€” โ€” 03:57:49
28 Tim Hodges 26.3 km/h โ€” 179 W 03:58:27
29 Darren Goldsmith โ€” โ€” โ€” 03:59:42
30 Michael Kleynhans โ€” โ€” โ€” 04:09:42
31 Tim M 24.8 km/h 128 bpm โ€” 04:13:16
32 Greg Pearce 24.8 km/h 139 bpm 149 W 04:13:21
33 Tim Robbo 24.7 km/h 128 bpm 198 W 04:13:22
34 Matt Ryzak-McGhee 24.7 km/h 143 bpm 136 W 04:13:49
35 Rob Graham 24.7 km/h 152 bpm 139 W 04:13:58
36 Ian Banks โ€” โ€” โ€” 04:16:01
37 Adrian Cobbin 24.2 km/h 139 bpm โ€” 04:18:56
38 James Burnett 24.2 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:19:15
39 Paul Phillips 24.2 km/h 145 bpm โ€” 04:19:18
40 Paul McDonald 24.2 km/h โ€” 129 W 04:19:23
41 Chris Taylor 24.2 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:19:25
42 Sam Guest 24.2 km/h 152 bpm โ€” 04:19:26
43 Simon Elmes 24.2 km/h 135 bpm 135 W 04:19:38
44 Giles Elmore 24.1 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:19:51
45 James Woodall 24.1 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:19:51
46 Alan Denning 23.9 km/h 134 bpm โ€” 04:22:14
47 Toby Arnold 23.9 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:22:14
48 Geoff Lloyd 23.9 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:22:14
49 Si Allen 23.9 km/h โ€” โ€” 04:22:14
50 Frank McGurin โ€” โ€” โ€” 04:24:06
51 Tom Bonavia โ€” โ€” โ€” 04:37:34
52 Raimonas Ruzgas โ€” โ€” โ€” 04:37:34
53 Jimmy O โ€” โ€” โ€” 04:43:22
๐Ÿ‘‘

The Grand Solstice Masterclass Award

Winner: Watts The Point

History has been made. In an event notorious for riders missing turns, losing GPS locks, or claiming they "didn't see the segment start," every single rider from Watts The Point successfully triggered the official Strava segment!

Paul Phillips, Adrian Cobbin, Paul McDonald, James Burnett, Chris Taylor, and Sam Guest executed a logistical miracle. They didn't win the speed crown, but their navigation alignment is legendary.

๐Ÿ“Š Team-by-Team Performance Analysis

๐Ÿšดโ™‚๏ธ Pedal Philes

Predicted: 8-1 | Actual: Form Pack Mastery & Han Solo Heroics

Talk about a perfectly grouped formation train. Matthew Day, Chris Collins, Paul Dempsey, and G Moloko put on an absolute drafting clinic, locking in matching times down to the exact second at 03:35:23.

Pre-Race Form Book Info:

Bookies' Odds were 8-1. Marked as a generational mix where Nick Barratt might have to pull the entire train solo if things got scenic.

The Reality Check:

Prophecy fulfilled! While the main bunch rolled home comfortably together, Nick Barratt completely unhitched himself to unleash a savage solo run, beating the group back by nearly 8 minutes!

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Nicholas Barratt: "Han Solo - an MDV Solstice Story"
Log: "Most of the way back on my own. Really happy with how the legs felt." Broke his all-time 1-hour power record in the process!
G Moloko: "MDV Solstice Ride 3:35:36"
Log: "Never ever gets easier." Securely finished right with the core pack.
Chris Collins: "MDV Solstice ride. Great but broken."
Left nothing out on the lanes, setting a 3rd fastest 100K record.
Paul Dempsey: "Solstice Blast ๐Ÿ’ฅ"
Burned through 2,495 calories and put down a solid relative power profile.
Pedal Philes

๐Ÿฆ† Drakeโ€™s Ducklings

Predicted: 2nd | Actual: 1st (Fastest Roster)

The high-wattage hunters completely smashed expectations. Dan Mitchell and Paul Drake tore the course apart to finish in a phenomenal 1-2 configuration down to a single second.

Pre-Race Form Book Info:

Bookies' Odds were 2-1. Noted as the major threat to Surrey SpeedWorx if they could maintain form.

The Reality Check:

An absolute rout. Charlie Butcher locked down 3rd to round out a completely dominant Duckling podium.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Dan Mitchell: "MdV Solstice ride - mega! โ˜€๏ธ ๐Ÿšด"
Clocked the segment in 3:02:08 to take the crown.
Paul Drake: "Mdv Solstice - Eventful!"
Finished 1 second behind Dan, claiming 6th overall on the historic leaderboard segment.
Keith Lea: "MdV Summer Solstice Ride"
Comment: "Mercilessly dropped at Ardingly ๐Ÿ˜‚" / Charlie Butcher replied: "I wasnโ€™t involved in the decision ๐Ÿซฃ"
Alastair Read: "MDV - Solstice ride"
DNF due to a flat. Strava log: "A front flat ending the fun and I didnโ€™t have a pump on me!"

โšก Surrey SpeedWorx

Predicted: 1st | Actual: Depleted Train

The pre-race favorites hit catastrophic mechanical and physical setbacks that fractured their sleek synchronized pacing train.

Pre-Race Form Book Info:

Odds-on favorites at 1-2. Expected to implement an absolute pacing masterclass.

The Reality Check:

Andy Taylor, Chris Carney, and Marcus Brueton still cruised home in a solid 3:26 block, but the train was uncoupled early.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Marcus Brueton: "MDV solstice ride with Speedworx"
Log: "Brisk 6 up with Andy, Chris x2, Neil & Nigel. A few issues along the way saw a depleted group and 4 up return... Plus beer & pizza ๐Ÿ˜ƒ"
Neil Kelsall: "Abort Abort โ€ฆ Summat Not Rite"
Log: "absolutely empty after less than 90 minutes ๐Ÿ˜ž" - hit with a massive 72% headwind according to his myWindsock telemetry.

๐Ÿ“บ The Revolutions Will Not Be Televised

Predicted: 3rd | Actual: Incredibly Consistent 29.8 km/h

Gavin Pollock, Michael Gates, and Si Holmes rode an absolute textbook tactical race, tracking perfectly together to finish right on each other's wheels.

Pre-Race Form Book Info:

Odds: 3-1. Built around the defending 2025 champion's diesel engine.

The Reality Check:

Gavin finished in 3:30:22, with Gates and Holmes matching each other at 3:30:25. Classic execution.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Gavin Pollock: "MdV solstice ride ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ’ฅ"
Secured yet another top-10 Solstice finish.
Simon Holmes: "Solstice Ride 2026 - I survived the Pollock Express"
Confirms the pace line was relentless out there.
Matt Child: "MDV solstice smash 2026"
Log: "Crampetto from 12km out, solo finish." Dropped off the train late but gritted it out for a 3:34:07.

๐Ÿ˜ญ C men pains

Predicted: 10-1 | Actual: Metronomic Pacing Masters

They claimed to have pains, but they delivered absolute precision. Jon Barron, Paul Radford, Pete Wolsey, Jason Smith, and Daniel Burt orchestrated a masterclass group dynamic, locking down a massive block finish at 28.2 km/h.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Peter Wolsey: "MdV Solstice Ride"
Log: "'Cmen pains' an amazing group" - completed his June Cycling Elevation challenge in style!
Jon Barron: "MDV Solstice Ride"
Log: "Feeling goodโšก๏ธ" - spearheaded the group timing block at 3:29 moving time / 3:42 official.

๐Ÿš€ The Soloists!

Predicted: 5-1 | Actual: Mixed Fortunes

Alex Green put down an outstanding surprise run, crossing in 3:36:53 ahead of Harry Dixon and Eddie Cumberland.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Eddie Cumberland: "MDV Summer Solstice Ride โ˜€๏ธ Went 0% To Plan ๐Ÿ˜…"
Log: "Props to Harry Dixon for the fastest gravel bike time ๐Ÿ˜… Power meter may need new batteries ๐Ÿ˜ฌ"
Harry Dixon: "Absolute Death ๐Ÿ’€๐Ÿ’€๐Ÿ’€"
Log: "MDV Solstice" - completed his second longest ride ever just to finish.

โš™๏ธ Nutfield Wheelers

Predicted: 6-1 | Actual: Solid Mid-Pack Pacing

True to their legendary group tracking, the Wheelers packed together tight. Greg Pearce, Tim Robbo, Matt Ryzak-McGhee, and Rob Graham all crossed the finish line within a tiny 2-minute margin.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Rob Graham: "Solstice sans Pizza ๐Ÿ˜ข"
The tragedy of the night. Arrived in the later wave only to find the dough vaults empty. A moment of silence for Rob's post-ride macros.
Greg Pearce: "Nutfield Wheeler Solstice"
Took the official KOM on the Woodhatch Short Sprint North!

๐Ÿงณ Leicestershire Itinerants

Predicted: 33-1 | Actual: Locked In at 23.9 km/h

The long-distance tourists executed their strategy perfectly. Alan Denning, Toby Arnold, Geoff Lloyd, and Si Allen crossed the timing line in absolute unison down to the exact second at 04:22:14.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Alan Denning: "MDV Summer Solstice Ride"
Log: "Thanks to my MDV teammates for a great ride and the crew for assisting with my technical issue before the ride began"
Geoff Lloyd: "MDV Solstice ride"
Log: "Nice warm up for the weekend - shame about the puncture on a new tyre"

๐Ÿฅ– Carb Munchers

Predicted: 20-1 | Actual: Defeated by Flint

True to their legacy, the Carb Munchers encountered the puncture gremlins along the route.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Simon Elmes: "Solstice Sizzler"
Log: "1 Puncture, dropped chain & a gammy eye.. .."
Giles Elmore: "Fun solstice ride with another puncture."
Some things never change. Still completed a brilliant 108km run.

๐Ÿฅˆ Silver Bullets & CoBoTBC

The True Spirits of the Solstice

The Silver Bullets kept their steady composure, with Ian Banks, Darren Goldsmith, Michael Kleynhans, Frank McGurin, and Jimmy O maximizing their time out in the gorgeous weather.

Paddock Gossip & Strava Logs:

Michael Kleynhans: "Maison Du Velo - 2026 Solstice"
Log: "A good few wrong turns but always an awesome ride.."
Tom Bonavia & Raimonas Ruzgas: "MDV 26 Summer Solstice"
The mystery two-man crew materialized and conquered! Tom clocked his longest ride ever, and Raimonas completed his biggest climb ever.
๐Ÿ… Additional Race Commission Honors
๐Ÿ‘‘ The "+ VAT" Endurance Medal
Winner: Jimmy O'Connell (Silver Bullets)

While everyone else rode a standard 106km, Jimmy decided the route wasn't long enough. Logging a massive 125.59 km, he claimed the "Plus VAT" distance title of the night and unlocked his June Gran Fondo badge while trailing the back of the field!

๐ŸŠ The "Wrong Sport" GPS Device Award
Winner: Ian Banks

Special recognition to Ian Banks, who navigated a challenging 103km Surrey cycling terrain entirely via a Garmin Swim 2 watch. Absolute tracking audacity.

๐Ÿšด2026 SUMMER SOLSTICEย  ๐Ÿšด

THIS IS NOT A RACE

Official Runners & Riders Form Guide

"Form is temporary, class is permanent, but the Strava leaderboard is forever."

๐Ÿ”ฅ The Heavy Hitters: Podium Contenders (17:00 Departs)

1. Surrey SpeedWorx

Start Time: 17:00
Riders: Neil Kelsall, Andy Taylor, Chris Esch, Chris Carney, Marcus Brueton, Nigel Dinning
Form Guide & Data Cross-Reference:
  • Neil Kelsall & Andy Taylor: Clocked a blazing 34.4 km/h (3:02:11) in 2024. They hold the #6 and #8 spots on the historical leaderboard.
  • Marcus Brueton: Right on their wheels in 2024 with a 3:02:15 (#9 historical).
  • Chris Carney: Sneaky. Tied for #2 all-time historical at 34.8 km/h (3:00:03).
Inside Word: If this team doesn't finish in a perfect, aerodynamic formation, there will be a serious inquiry in the parking lot afterwards.
Bookies' Odds: 1-2 (Evens for a clean sweep)

2. Drake's Ducklings

Start Time: 17:00
Riders: Paul Drake, Dan Mitchell, Charlie Butcher, Alastair Read, Keith Lea, Alex Rothwell
Form Guide & Data Cross-Reference:
  • Keith Lea: Absolute weapon. Logged a 34.8 km/h (3:00:10) finish in 2024, sitting at #4 on the all-time historical segment leaderboard.
Inside Word: Keith Lea provides the massive engine for this squad. If "Papa Drake" can keep his ducklings in a tight, drafting formation without anyone getting distracted by a pond, they are a genuine threat to take the fastest overall time.
Bookies' Odds: 2-1

3. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Start Time: 17:00
Riders: Gavin Pollock, Mike Gates, Si Holmes, Matt Child
Form Guide & Data Cross-Reference:
  • Gavin Pollock: The reigning 2025 Champion! Clocked a stellar 29.8 km/h (03:30:38) at a highly efficient 142 bpm and 164W.
  • Mike Gates: Finished 3rd in 2025, but burned a massive 229W average to get there.
Inside Word: Gavin knows how to manage a gap. Mike has the raw horse-power. If Si and Matt can hang onto the Pollock Express, this team could cause a massive upset.
Bookies' Odds: 3-1

4. It's Grim Up North

Start Time: 17:00
Riders: Calvin, David Edam, Jo Davies, Tim Cole, Andy Stone
Form Guide & Data Cross-Reference:
  • Tim Cole & Calvin Ferns: In 2024, they finished a mere 13 seconds apart, both cracking 29.7 km/h (~3:31:00).
  • David Edam: Form suggests a consistent mid-week hammer group regular.
Inside Word: Watch Tim Cole closely. He submitted his form twice this week, climbing from "5" to "5.00" on his preferred start time. That level of meticulous obsessiveness means his chain is precisely degreased and his socks are at UCI-legal height.
Bookies' Odds: 4-1

5. The Soloists!

Start Time: 17:00
Riders: Matthew Atherfold, Eddie Cumberland, Harry Dixon, Alex Green
Form Guide & Data Cross-Reference:
  • Eddie Cumberland: Declared "30km/h+ for this ride in a group" on his sign-up form.
  • Matthew Atherfold & Harry Dixon: Both strictly benchmarking at a sharp 30 km/h.
  • Alex Green: Logged 28kph previously, looking to draft off the big engines.
Inside Word: This group will either form an alliance of devastating speed or immediately drop each other on the first incline. Keep your eyes on Eddie.
Bookies' Odds: 5-1 (Dark Horse status)
โš™๏ธ The Mid-Pack Chess Masters (16:00 - 16:45 Departs)

Nutfield Wheelers

Start Time: 16:45
Riders: Nick Bellamy, Gavin Fox, Rob Graham, Tim Robinson, Greg Pearce, Matt Ryzak-McGhee
Form Guide & Data Cross-Reference:
  • Tim Robinson (Tim Robbo): Finished 2024 with a very swift 29.6 km/h (3:31:45).
  • Greg Pearce & Rob Graham: Crossed the line together in 2024 at 29.5 km/h (3:32:xx). Rob backed it up in 2025 at 26.9 km/h.
  • Matt Ryzak-McGhee: Also finished in that exact 2024 group (3:32:44).
Inside Word: This team has incredible chemistry. They historically ride locked together like glue. If they find their rhythm early, the 17:00 catch-cars will struggle to shut down the break.
Bookies' Odds: 6-1

Carb Munchers

Start Time: 16:45
Riders: Giles Elmore, Simon Elmes, James Woodall, Anthony Dyer
Inside Word: Simon Elmes and Giles Elmore crossed the line within two minutes of each other in 2025 around the 4-hour, 35-minute mark (~22.6 km/h). Expected to expend 10% of their energy cycling and 90% discussing exactly what they are going to eat at the finish line.
Bookies' Odds: 20-1 (But 1-2 to be first to the buffet)

Pedal Philes

Start Time: 15:45
Riders: G Moloko, Chris Collins, Paul Dempsey, Tim Hodges, Nick Barratt, Matty Day
Inside Word: A fascinating mix of generations. Nick Barratt was an absolute weapon in 2024, pushing 244W for a 32.0 km/h finish (#11 all-time). G Moloko stays completely steady around 27 km/h. Rumors circulate that Nick might have to pull this entire train solo if the rest of the crew gets distracted by a nice view.
Bookies' Odds: 8-1

Watts The Point

Start Time: 16:00
Riders: Paul Phillips, Adrian Cobbin, Paul McDonald, James Burnett, Chris Taylor, Sam Guest
Inside Word: Adrian Cobbin finished 2024 at 24.9 km/h and 2025 at 22.1 km/h. Paul McDonald and Paul Phillips matched each other perfectly at 22.1 km/h in 2025. The name implies a lack of concern for power meters, but expect them to secretly try and drop each other on every riser.
Bookies' Odds: 14-1
โ˜• The Tactical Cruise & Social Division (15:00 - 15:30 Departs)

C men pains

Start Time: 15:30
Riders: Paul Radford, Pete Wolsey, David Moss, Dan Burt, Jason Smith, Jon Barron
Inside Word: Pete Wolsey and Paul Radford are literal pacing twins. They finished the 2025 ride side-by-side, sharing 9th place down to the exact second (03:58:16) at 26.3 km/h. With them setting a metronomic baseline, the rest of the team just needs to sit in, stay quiet, and try to manage the "pains."
Bookies' Odds: 10-1

Leicestershire Itinerants

Start Time: 15:00
Riders: Andrew Ridgard, Toby Arnold, Wayne Storer, Alan Denning, Geoff Lloyd, Si Allen
Inside Word: Andrew Ridgard and Toby Arnold finished 2025 within seconds of each other at 22.0 km/h. Alan Denning and Si Allen declared a comfortable 25 km/h / 16-17 mph pace on their entry forms. Traveling from afar, these boys are here for a good time. High risk of an extended cafe stop.
Bookies' Odds: 33-1

Silver Bullets

Start Time: 15:00
Riders: Ian Banks, Darren Goldsmith, Michael Kleynhans, Frank McGurin, Jimmy O
Inside Word: Ian Banks and Michael Kleynhans finished side-by-side in 2024 with matching times of 5:28:xx. Starting early, finishing late, enjoying every single second of the daylight. True purists. Jimmy O has been spotted doing hill repeats in secret.
Bookies' Odds: 50-1
๐Ÿ… The Chronically Recognizable Awards
๐Ÿ‘ฏโ™‚๏ธ The Metronomic Twin-Engine Trophy
Nominees: Pete Wolsey & Paul Radford (C men pains)

The commissaires checked the historical ledger and discovered that in 2025, Pete and Paul crossed the finish line side-by-side, sharing 9th place down to the exact same second (03:58:16) while maintaining an identical 26.3 km/h. Expect them to ride tomorrow as if connected by an invisible bungee cord.

๐Ÿ“ˆ The "Surely a Calibration Error" Speed Demon
Nominee: Edward Murphy

Edward's sign-up sheet proudly states his rough Strava speed is 58. We assume this is either km/h (which means he is currently a lead-out man for Tadej Pogaฤar) or his age. If it's his speed, local police escorts have been notified.

๐Ÿ”ฎ Final Podium Prediction

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Surrey SpeedWorx (The Unstoppable Train)
  • ๐Ÿฅˆ Drake's Ducklings (The High-Wattage Hunters)
  • ๐Ÿฅ‰ The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (The Defending Champ's Squad)

Good luck tomorrow, riders! Keep the rubber side down, watch out for the potholes, it is never worth pushing the envelope for 30 minutes of bragging rights. And remember: if you get dropped, just pretend your chain fell off. โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿšด

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