Category: Marathon Racing - BSCC

Maidstone Winter Series Marathon (26 Nov 2023)

26/11/2023

Thirteen BSCC paddlers made the journey down to Kent to be part of the first ever Winter Series race hosted by Maidstone Canoe Club.

The club's best results on the 9-mile course came from Joe & Eddie who won silver in the men's doubles race.

On the 5-mile course it was Ben who shone, winning bronze in Men's SuperVets.

Jasper was the standout performer on the short course, and he too achieved a bronze for his time in the u14 boys race.

Other high scorers were Eilidh and Libby who won gold in the u18 and u14 girls races respectively, and Jack and Kerry who were each second in their races (u18 boys and SuperVet ladies).

9 miles (2 portages):
K2 16+ Men - Joe Fitzpatrick & Eddie Kirtland 2nd (1:11:51)
K1 Senior Men - David Gurney 6th (1:23:20), Joao Spinola 8th (1:27:22)
K1 u18 Men - Jack Gaulton 2nd (1:44:35)
K1 u18 Ladies - Eilidh White 1st (1:48:56)

5 miles:
K1 SuperVet Men - Ben Tubby 3rd (46:13), Mark Adams (rtd)
K1 SuperVet Ladies - Kerry Tubby 2nd (59:28)
K1 u16 Boys - Aaron Sandhu 3rd (1:13:05)

under 3 miles:
K1 u14 Boys - Jasper Kirtland 3rd (13:11)
K1 u14 Girls - Libby Gaulton 1st (14:44)
K1 u12 Boys - Rupert Kirtland 3rd (18:51)

Aaron and Rupert not only won significant points for the club but brought us to second place on Dick Grieve points (based on the performance of unranked juniors).

While Chelmsford were the overall winners of the event, Stortford came second, and Barking third.

See

B. Stortford Winter Series Marathon (5 Nov 2023)

5/11/2023

An even greater vote of thanks than usual is due this year to the club's volunteers, who not only had to contend with marshalling off-site parking for the 136 competitors but also had to adjust at the last minute to course changes to avoid the huge fallen tree which blocked the river upstream of the club, preventing the town stretch from being used.

Blessedly, the day itself was dry and even sunny, though cold.

Inspecting the fallen tree (photo Flora K)

As usual there was a good turn-out of doubles crews, now split into three classes for the Men, Ladies and Mixed. Matthew Johnson & Leah Falltrick of Chelmsford CC set a new course record for doubles with their time of 52:15.

Three (or, strictly, two and a half) Stortford crews were in the Ladies K2 race, which was won by Kerstin & Catherine (Ealing CC), with Octavia & Kerry hot on their heels. Karen & Christine put in a spirited performance to come 5th.

In total Stortford had a team of 26. It was lovely to see Megan back paddling with us again though, under rule that comes with bringing the race under the MRC, she was obliged to paddle for her official club of Exeter.

While concern about the river conditions may have put off a few of the younger juniors that we would normally expect, numbers were more than made up by the return of Veteran/SuperVet Men at a level seen since the pandemic. Over-50s now have the option of entering M/F "SuperVets" classes on the 5 mile course, but this still left a field of 14 for the 7-mile Veteran Men's race. Rich reprised last year's success to take Gold in Vet Men, while Ben did the same in the SuperVet M.

7 miles (6 portages):
K2 16+ Ladies - Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling [EAL] 1st (1:10:18), Octavia Abbott & Kerry Tubby 2nd (1:11:50), Karen Bradley & Christine Meula 5th (1:21:53)
K1 Senior Men - Joao Spinola 5th (1:12:44), Jamie Bond 7th (1:40:30), David Gurney (rtd)
K1 Senior Ladies - Megan Kenny [EXE] 1st (1:16:06)
K1 Veteran Men - Rich Winstanley 1st (1:01:12)
K1 Veteran Ladies - Kat Wilson 1st (1:03:15)
K1 u18 Ladies - Eilidh White 2nd (1:26:21)

5 miles (4 portages):
K1 SuperVet Men - Ben Tubby 1st (45:45), Mark Adams 2nd (47:28), Robin Dromard 8th (1:06:54)
K2 u16 - Oliver Klumpler & Finlay Sandall 3rd (1:03:46)
K1 u16 Boys - Eddie Kirtland 2nd (47:28), Jacob Chan 7th (1:12:21), Aaron Sandhu 8th (1:13:36)
K1 u16 Girls - Ananya Bhusari 6th (1:18:51)

approx 3 miles (2 portage):
K1 u14 Boys - Jasper Kirtland 4th (39:42), Jamie Winstanley 8th (47:11)
K1 u14 Girls - Libby Gaulton 1st (41:12)
C1 Novice - Petr Luksan 1st (42:53)
GP 16+ Men - Alex Scott 3rd (1:04:20)
K1 u12 Boys - Rupert Kirtland 4th (50:06)

The Mayor of Bishop's Stortford, Richard Townsend, kindly came along to give out the medals.

The club was second overall with 183 points, behind Chelmsford CC (338) but well ahead of Leighton Buzzard CC (125).

BSCC is also leading the Dick Grieve league, based on the performance of novice juniors only, thanks to the efforts of Jacob, Aaron, Ananya, Jasper, Jamie W, and Rupert.

Congratulations to Jamie B. and Jacob for successfully completing their first marathon races, and to Jamie W. on his return after a long absence.

See

Chelmer Hasler (15 Oct 2023)

15/10/2023

Brilliant results for Stortford at the Chelmsford Hasler. The 26-strong team (the largest the club has fielded in over a year) very nearly swept the board in the doubles classes by achieving a first and/or second place in six out of the seven contested divisions.

DOUBLES -
12 miles, 10 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick & Rich Winstanley 2nd (1:21:17)
8 miles, 8 portages
Div 4: Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 1st (1:15:51)
Div 5: Mark Adams & Steve Tingay [LBZ] 1st (1:23:02), Kerstin Queeney & Jack Gaulton 2nd (1:23:04)
3 miles, 2 portages
Div 7: Octavia Abbott & Kerry Tubby 1st (32:28)
Div 8: Libby Gaulton & Isabel Knight 1st (32:31), Dave Cayford & Jacque Cayford 5th (34:22)
Div 9: Oliver Klumpler & Finlay Sandal 1st (33:59)

The nine first places and four second places, plus another second from David G in singles, brought the club a near-perfect score of 597 and overall victory, though Chelmsford CC were just three points behind.

Libby & Isabel's win was particularly impressive, given that it was achieved with a broken footplate which came adrift soon after the start and partly immobilised the rudder.

Chris and Ben also had rudder trouble when they bashed the rear end of their boat during one of the portages. Fortunately they were able to pull it back into alignment without breaking it and make up the lost time.

Edit: Now that the results have been finalised, there are lots of promotions for our doubles crews. Rich joins Joe in Div 2, and Kerry joins Octavia in Div 7. Libby and Isabel go to Div 7, and Finlay & Oliver to Div 8. Well done everybody!

Eilidh's fourth place in Div 8 singles was only fractionally short of the promotion time. Jasper's 12th place in Div 9 singles was also especially notable, given his age and the large field of 31 entries.

SINGLES -
12 miles, 10 portages
Div 2: David Gurney 2nd (1:27:50)
Div 3: Kat Wilson 13th (1:48:06)
8 miles, 8 portages
Div 4: Eddie Kirkland 7th (1:23:08)
Div 6: Jaroslav Klumpler 7th (1:29:25)
3 miles, 2 portages
Div 8: Eilidh White 4th (35:00), Tom Stephens 9th (39:24)
Div 9: Jasper Kirtland 12th (37:45), Karen Bradley 14th (38:36), Petr Luksan 15th (38:45), Robin Dromard 25th (43:45)

See also

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
2km
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 6th (18:18)

Pangbourne Hasler (10 Sep 2023)

10/9/2023

Seven paddlers from Bishops Stortford went to the Pangbourne Hasler in September - four of them returning with medals.

DOUBLES -
12 miles, 3 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick & Oli Rix [NOR] 2nd (1:29:23), David Gurney & Kat Wilson 3rd (1:33:49)
8 miles, 2 portages
Div 4: Eddie Kirtland & Ewan Bates [LBZ] 1st (1:07:34), Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 4th (1:08:18)

SINGLES -
4 miles
Div 9: Kerry Tubby 11th (41:29)

See also

B. Stortford Hasler (9 Jul 2023)

9/7/2023

Excellent results for Bishops Stortford at our Hasler race! Six gold medals, 4 silvers and 2 bronzes brought the team 592 race points and second place - just three race points behind Chelmsford CC, and ahead of Norwich CC (587).

This means that Stortford has finished in third place overall in the Eastern Region, and will therefore be going through to the National Hasler final at Worcester in September!

In weather that was hot but generally overcast, 157 competitors (including 24 paddling for BSCC) took part in the event. There was an especially large number of Division 9 singles (25) necessitating a split start.

photo: Chris Sze

Jaroslav elected to race for the first time in Div 6, and was rewarded with a gold medal.

Eilidh has been promoted to Division 8, as also has new club member Tom Stephens. Jasper also raced in Division 9 for the first time, having been promoted out of Geoff Sanders after the Leighton Buzzard race. Robin, Alex and Ally Judge all took part, having each been out of competition for some time.

SINGLES -
19km, 8 portages
Div 3: Kat Wilson 4th (1:34:07)
11.5km, 6 portages
Div 5: Eddie Kirtland 4th (1:11:11)
Div 6: Jaroslav Klumpler 1st (1:15:39)
6.5km 2 portages
Div 7: Libby Gaulton 11th (40:08)
Div 9: Eilidh White 2nd (38:11), Tom Stephens 5th (39:27), Jasper Kirtland 11th (42:16), Robin Dromard 12th (43:14), Alex Scott 20th (48:31), Tamzin Catmur 23rd (50:08), Ally Judge (rtd)

All of the doubles crews did well, and were responsible for most of the medals. Oliver & Finlay continued to score top points for the club in Division 9 doubles. Chris Sze & Ben Tubby have formed a formidable partnership, winning Division 4 by a comfortable margin.

Meanwhile, in Division 8 there was a re-play of the close-fought contest between Octavia & Kerry and Jacque & Dave.

photo: Chris Sze

DOUBLES -
19km, 8 portages
Div 2: David Gurney & Oscar Griffiths [ACU] 2nd (1:22:27)
11.5km, 6 portages
Div 4: Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 1st (1:02:02)
Div 5: Mark Adams & Steve Tingay [LBZ] 1st (1:07:50), Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling [MAI] 4th (1:08:45)
6.5km, 2 portages
Div 8: Octavia Abbott & Kerry Tubby 2nd (35:45), Dave Cayford & Jacque Cayford 3rd (35:49)
Div 9: Finlay Sandall & Oliver Klumpler 1st (40:32)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
2.5km
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 5th (21:03)
Div C: Emilie Klumpler 5th (27:04)

Many thanks are due to all the members and their families who worked as volunteers to keep everyone, safe and well fed, and enabling everything to run smoothly on the day. Also, those who helped to get the club ready beforehand.

See also

Leighton Buzzard Hasler (18 Jun 2023)

18/6/2023

Six gold medals and five silvers translated into a draw for overall first place with the home team at Leighton Buzzard!

In doubles, the established crews of Chris & Ben, Jacque & Dave, and Finlay & Oliver all achieved medals, as did the surprise new pairing of Octavia and Kerry.

Libby & Isabel also crewed up for the first time and showed a lot of promise.

DOUBLES -
8 miles, 2 portages
Div 4: Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 1st (1:06:01)
Div 5: Kerstin Queeney & Jack Gaulton 5th (1:13:30)
4.5 miles
Div 8: Octavia Abbott & Kerry Tubby 1st (42:38), Dave Cayford & Jacque Cayford 2nd (42:39), Libby Gaulton & Isabel Knight 5th (45:41)
Div 9: Finlay Sandall & Oliver Klumpler 1st (45:40)

Jaroslav did well to catch up in Div 7 as far as he did considering the amount of time lost by a capsize at the start.

Joe was paddling up into Div 1 to win his silver. Daniel and Eddie also won silver in their respective divisions.

SINGLES -
12 miles, 6 portages
Div 1: Joe Fitzpatrick 2nd (1:35:43)
8 miles, 2 portages
Div 5: Eddie Kirtland 2nd (1:15:36), Tom Holloway 4th (1:33:47)
4.5 miles
Div 7: Jaroslav Klumpler 7th (43:35)
Div 9: Daniel Baines 2nd (45:06), Eilidh White 5th (46:30), Aaron Sandhu 13th (57:44), Petr Luksan 14th (1:03:08)

See also

Well done to Aaron for completing his first race.

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
2 miles
Div A: Jasper Kirtland 1st (17:16)
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 5th (19:24)
Div C: Emilie Klumpler 5th (26:54)
K2: Jasper Kirtland & Rupert Kirtland 3rd (23:17)

While the excellent results at Buzzard have not changed our overall position in the Eastern Region - we are still equal third with Leighton Buzzard CC - it has widened the gap with the clubs above and below, and a trip to the finals at Worcester now looks a lot more certain.

The big question now is, can we edge ahead and finish the the season with an outright third place in the region?

Norwich Hasler (21 May 2023)

21/5/2023

Great results at Norwich have put a place in the National Hasler Finals within reach again.

Three of the team were paddling with members of other clubs. Kerstin and Catherine from Maidstone are a regular pairing but this race also saw Joe paddle with Ollie Rix of Norwich, and we were joined for the first time by Kat Wilson paddling with Chelmsford's Leah Falltrick.

Ten members of the 18-strong Stortford team came home with medals. Golds were won by Finlay & Oliver in Div 9, David in Div 1, Eddie in Div 5 and Jasper in GSA. Silvers went to Chris & Ben in Div 4, Tony in Div 5, Joe in Div 2 doubles, and Kat in Div 3 doubles.

DOUBLES -
19.5km, 5 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick & Ollie Rix [NOR] 2nd (1:27:10)
Div 3: Kat Wilson & Leah Falltrick [CLM] 2nd (1:38:54)
13km, 3 portages
Div 4: Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 2nd (1:04:38)
Div 5: Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling [MAI] 5th (1:10:48)
6.5km
Div 9: Finlay Sandall & Oliver Klumpler 1st (41:07)

Two further paddlers put in performances which were close to winning them a promotion yet didn't get to stand on the podium. Jaroslav (Jay) came very close to making it into Div 6, and Eilidh's time almost saw her break out of Div 9.

New club member Isabel looked as if she had been paddling all her life, and achieved a very impressive time for her first Div 9 race.

SINGLES -
19.5km, 5 portages
Div 2: David Gurney 1st (1:39:02)
13km, 3 portages
Div 4: Mark Adams (rtd)
Div 5: Eddie Kirtland 1st (1:11:05), Tony Brett 2nd (1:11:27)
6.5km
Div 7: Jaroslav Klumpler 4th (35:27)
Div 9: Eilidh White 9th (39:41), Isabel Knight 11th (42:07), Karen Bradley 12th (43:39), Kerry Tubby 15th (45:38)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
3.5km
Div A: Jasper Kirtland 1st (20:50)
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 4th (22:38)

The overall winners were the home club, with Chelmsford CC second. A third place for Stortford has moved us from 5th to equal 3rd position in the Eastern Region, and this with a real chance of finishing the season in the top four and winning a place at the finals, which this year will be held at Worcester.

See also

Bedford Hasler (30 Apr 2023)

30/4/2023

Eight gold medals, a silver and two bronzes, a third place overall, and two double promotions - not a bad day's work for the Stortford team!

Twenty-two Stortford paddlers were among the 134 competing at Bedford.

River conditions at the first turn caused a few capsizes in what was otherwise a particularly successful day.

Most of the club's medals came from the four doubles boats. Chris & Ben T were spurred on by a friendly rivalry with Gordon Bullock and his new Barking CC partner to win Div 5 doubles. Kerstin & Jack also paddled particularly well together in Div 6. It has been announced that as a result of these crew performances, Ben is being promoted to Div 4 and Jack to Div 5.

David G, our only competitor on the longest course, fought a close contest for Div 2, with all four boats crossing the finish line within 8 seconds of eachother. David was 1 sec behind Ali Kabeer but 6 sec ahead of Matt Parkes.

Other high-scorers in the singles races were Eddie K, Jaroslav (Jay), and John.

A special well-done to Kerry who was competing in her first ever race.

DOUBLES -
12.9km, 2 portages
Div 5: Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 1st (1:10:08)
Div 6: Kerstin Queeney & Jack Gaulton 3rd (1:14:40)
6.8km
Div 8: Jacque Cayford & Dave Cayford 1st (43:31)
Div 9: Finlay Sandall & Oliver Klumpler 1st (47:48)

SINGLES -
19.7km, 4 portages
Div 2: David Gurney 2nd (1:41:24)
12.9km, 2 portages
Div 5: Eddie Kirtland 1st (1:15:38)
6.8km
Div 7: Jaroslav Klumpler 5th (42:04), Libby Gaulton 9th (57:48)
Div 9: John Catmur 10th (49:34), Karen Bradley 14th (51:57), Arthur Catmur 18th (54:45), Eilidh White 19th (55:09), Kerry Tubby 21st (55:53), Tamzin Catmur 24th (1:00:32), Petr Luksan 25th (1:15:18)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
2.5km
Div A: Jasper Kirtland 1st (18:29)
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 5th (21:41)
Div C: Emilie Klumpler 5th (24:50)

BSCC achieved a comfortable third position in this race, which has to some extent offset the disappointing club result at the previous race. Although we are now fifth in the region we are only one league point behind Cambridge CC and L. Buzzard CC (tied for 3rd place). With three more races to go, the possibility of being in the top four by the end of the season - and therefore going to the national final - is still very much on the table.

See also

Cambridge Hasler (12 Feb 2023)

12/2/2023

There was an early start to the Hasler series, but 123 competitors turned out for the event, including 12 from Stortford.

Eilidh came second in a large field of division 9s to take second place, and Petr did especially well to negotiate the tight turn on the 7km course in his C1 without taking a swim.

Libby put in an especially notable performance with Kerstin in Div 7 doubles to finish fourth, as a result of which Libby has been promoted from Div 9 to 7!

DOUBLES -
21km, 4 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick & David Gurney 1st (1:44:38)
7km
Div 7: Kerstin Queeney & Libby Gaulton 4th (37:18)

SINGLES -
14km, 4 portages
Div 4: Chris Sze 8th (1:27:55)
Div 5: Eddie Kirtland 4th (1:30:23)
7km
Div 7: Jaroslav Klumpler 4th (43:31), Jack Gaulton 8th (44:17)
Div 9: Eilidh White 2nd (47:45), Petr Luksan 10th (1:14:06)*
*Petr was competing in Division 9 and not Division 7 as shown on the official results

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
3km
Div A: Jasper Kirtland 1st (22:38)
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 5th (25:16)

BSCC came 5th overall with a total score of 384 points.

See also

L. Buzzard Winter Series Marathon (5 Feb 2023)

5/2/2023

The Grand Union Canal had thawed, and the postponed Leighton Buzzard race was able to go ahead in bright sunshine. The small group of Stortford paddlers who have been coming to the Winter Races through the season were joined on the water for the first time this series by Joe Fitzpatrick.

Joe was paddling in Senior K1, which shared a start with the u18 M K1 class. This led to an exciting finish, which was won by Joe in 1:06:01, closely followed by Ali Kabeer (WOK, 1:06:03, 1st u18), and David Gurney (CLM, 1:06:04, 2nd Sen K1).

Stortford's Chris Sze also came to the race, having returned from his travels, paddling with Gordon Bullock for BAD. The pair put in an excellent performance to finish in second place in the Senior K2 race, just ahead of the BSF boat crewed by Kerstin and Maidstone's Catherine Ayling. However, bronze position was still enough for Kerstin and Catherine to retain the Ladies K2 series trophy for the second successive season.

The day also brought silver medals for Eddie & Libby in the junior K2 race, Oliver in GP, and Emilie Klumpler (for Girls u12), and bronze medals for Jack (u16 M K1) and Eilidh (Ladies K1). Rupert won the medal for first u12.

8 miles (2 portages):
Senior K2 - Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling 3rd (1:16:10)
Open K1 - Joe Fitzpatrick 1st (1:06:01)

6 miles (2 portages):
u16 M - Jack Gaulton 3rd (1:07:04)
Ladies K1 - Eilidh White 3rd (1:10:27)
u16 K2 - Eddie Kirtland & Libby Gaulton 2nd (1:03:57)

4 miles:
u14 Girls K1 & Novice C1 - Petr Luksan 4th (1:09:48)
GP - Oliver Klumpler 2nd (1:19:29)
u12 K1 - Rupert Kirtland 5th (1:03:53), Emilie Klumpler 8th (1:16:35)

Full race & series results are on the FRA website.

See Angela's Google album for some photos of the Leighton Buzzard race & awards.

BSCC SERIES RESULTS:
Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling - Ladies K2 Trophy
Eddie Kirtland & Libby Gaulton - Junior K2 Trophy
David Gurney (for CLM) - Senior K1 Trophy
Eilidh White - Ladies u18/Sen/Vet 2nd place
Oliver Klumpler - u15 M GP Trophy
Emilie Klumpler - u12 F K1 2nd place

BSCC were second overall in both the series (which was won by Chelmsford CC), and the Bob Porter Trophy (for the greatest participation by u12s). We were third in the Dick Grieve Trophy (based on points scored by unranked juniors).

A special "well done" should also go to Oliver and Emilie who have attended all the races this winter despite Oliver's health issues and Emilie being one of the youngest paddlers in the club. Petr too has not missed a race and deserves a special round of applause for taking up the challenge of racing a high kneeler C1 in winter time.