The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
After two extremely windy rounds, the riders from Spalding Cycling Club were blessed with perfect conditions for the fourth round of their ten-mile time trial league – but it was a visitor who took full advantage.
Following the successful running of the first three trials, organiser George Bellars decided to take a step towards normality by opening the race up to guest riders (as in a normal season) but limited the total number of competitors to 30.
On the night it was visitor Michael Gill who took top spot in warm and dry conditions with a slight wind coming from the north east, which assisted, rather than hindered, participants for most of the course.
The 22-year-old Gill, who attends Nottingham University and rides for AeroLab Ward WheelCZ, clocked an outstanding time of 19.45mins on the slightly shortened course of 9.8 miles.
Behind him, the fight for club supremacy had a familiar look with Josh Wallis (21.06mins) taking second spot ahead of regular rivals Chris Ward by 19 seconds.
Further down the results there were some interesting battles, particularly between family members, with Andrew Gurney and daughter Tilly tying in eighth spot in 24.15mins.
Emily Richards (25.24mins) also moved closer to catching father Gareth (25.22mins), but brother/son Bryn (22.37mins) was ahead of both in fifth overall.
Meanwhile, Velvet Bowser (28.18mins) came in 17 seconds faster than brother Jack. The third member of the family, father Andrew Bowser, was on target for one of his best times but had the misfortune to puncture approximately 300 yards from the finish.
Frazer Wallis who would have been relishing the prospect of a fast time, also did not finish due to a freak accident. A farm vehicle spilt some corn on one of the bends and brought him off his bike.
Fortunately, he was not seriously injured but the bike was damaged.
One other performance worthy of mention is that of Joseph Seaborn Townsend.
In only his second ride, he managed to knock 5.19mins of his previous time to clock 37.20mins. Even accounting for the better conditions that takes some doing.
* Spalding CC’s social rides continue throughout the week and at weekends and included visits to various cafes throughout Lincolnshire and Rutland, with particular favourites being Corby Glen, Castle Bytham, Stamford and Heckington.
Many cafes and pubs that don’t normally open on a Monday have taken the opportunity to do so, tempted by the Government subsidy of half price up to £10, giving riders more choice in where to ride.
At the weekend one group, led by the ever-present Chris Bettinson, chose to ride to Lincoln and return (approximately 90 miles).
Meanwhile, Andrew Gurney and Barry Drew decided to go for their seasonal 100. The choice of day for both rides was perhaps not the best with strong north easterly winds making for hard work most of the time.
