Ramsay Cup 2025 (Race Report+Photos Added)

Race Report

Ramsay cup 20th July 2025

Road work disruption to the usual course meant a switch to Q25/15 for the 2025 Ramsay Cup. 24 riders on the start sheet, Bryan Adams, who kindly volunteered photography (likely better than in this report!) noting that this was a number far short of the early editions of this event at which Marshalls had to keep track of 120 riders on the start sheet!

First riders were off from 07:30am and rider 1 (Gary Grayland, CC Bexley) approached the Orchard heights roundabout just 21 minutes in. Momentarily followed, In hot pursuit, by rider 2 (James Skulczuk, Gravesend CC).

Conditions were initially calm but grey as the rest of the field made their first turn. It soon became more unsettled, particularly as riders approached the Orchard heights roundabout on their second loop. It was now a wetter road surface at this corner than on the first lap. Later starters were compensated for the occasional rain with a notable increase in tailwind from around 08:25am that boosted the return leg.

An unfortunate puncture suffered for rider 10 (Alex Clay, Team Bottrill). Rider 22 (Mark Vowells, San Fairy Ann CC) railing the Orchard turn despite having an extra wheel to counter balance. The only Tricyle entrant this year went on to claim the fastest age adjusted time of 54:44.

Followed by rider 5 (Paul Burrows, Thanet RC) at 56:28 (age adjusted). Notably just 30 seconds separated the age adjusted times of 5 (Paul Burrows, Thanet RC), 1 (Gary Grayland, CC Bexley), 11 (John Rogers Southborough & District Whs) and 15 (Stephen Wilkinson, Vanelli Project GO). With just 1 second separating rider 1 and 11.

Riders 15 and 17 (Douglas Tullet, Thanet RC)  agonisingly finishing within just 1 minute and 30 seconds after the hour mark. A notable performance from rider 13 (Andy Gibson, Gravesend CC) at 1:08:43.

The Ramsay Cup was claimed by the Southborough and District Wheelers team (Agnes Rogers, Paul McDaid, and John Rogers) with a combined lowest time of: 3:17:56.

A (nowadays) rarer Ramsay shield victory came to Gravesend CC. James Skulczuk’s time trial prowess this season was underlined further by the winning time of 56:42 - on a road bike no less!

Thank you to ALL of the riders for supporting the event and particularly to timekeeper David Abbotts assisted by Graeme Moir and Patrick McMaster. Organiser Andy Sangster and fellow Marshalls; Mike H, Kelly, Dave B and Ollie. Plus HQ and refreshment support from the Sangster clan; Marlene, Jacinta and Jack.

Report written by

Jack Wade Full gallery: Please reshare these images as you wish with credit to Gravesend Cycling Club.