The George Herbert Stancer (GHS) Schools Time Trial Competition
The George Herbert Stancer (OBE 1878-1962) 10 Mile Time Trial Championship is named in tribute to a man of many talents. George Herbert Stancer or GHS as he was known, in his early years was a nationally renowned performer on 
both cycle and tricycle holding both titles & records. Throughout his career he was a leading administrator of the sport, taking over the presidency of the CTC in 1920 at a time when the membership was only about 8,500. Almost from the day he took over the membership started to grow again, and he had the satisfaction of seeing it rise to over 50,000 before his retirement in 1945. GHS was also for several years editor of cycling magazine and he continued to be active in the sport until his death in 1963. After his death a trust fund was established with aim of promoting and encouraging participation amongst the young. To this end the National Schools 10 mile championship was formed and later adopted by the RTTC in 1970. [source: http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/Competition/National-Championships/GHS]
Since 1966, the event has attracted some very familiar names as winners, such as Ian Stannard, Chris Boardman, Steve Cummings and last year, Slipstreamer’s Sam Henning! See here for a full list of winners.
The competition takes place across the country during May and June as the different Time Trial regions hold heats to select the riders to be invited to attend the national finals later in the year. This year, the London West District regional heat will be held on the Beenham’s Heath Hcc234 course between Windsor and Maidenhead on Sunday 21st June. Because this is an on-road competition, riders will be strictly limited to age 12 upwards, in line with CTT rules. The event can be entered on line here. You must enter two weeks in advance of the event to secure a place.
For many of you, this may be the first time you have taken part in a time trial on the road. The Beenham’s Heath course is 2 laps of a 5-mile loop, that has a mixture of everything – a few lumps and turns, a long fast drag-strip, and a few junctions to negotiate. If anyone is interested in exploring the course, then there is a possibility of a group session on the morning of Sunday 17th May. Riders aged 12-13 must be accompanied by a parent, and those 14 or over must provide a parental consent form. If you are interested or have any questions, please speak to Dave.
Please note: Flat cap and tweed suit is not required!