The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Riders from Spalding Cycling Club put in a string of impressive showings at the South Lincolnshire inter-club 25-mile time trial event.
The usual mid-season change from 10-mile time trialling to the more challenging distance of 17 miles coincided with the meet, which was hosted by Sleaford Wheelers.
Having previously been the winners of this event, Spalding again put out a strong team to ride against Bourne Wheelers, hosts Sleaford Wheelers and Boston Wheelers, as well as guests Velo One.
Using the familiar Donington course on what was one of the better evenings of the year so far, fast times were clearly expected by all.
First back was Velo One’s Neil Palmer – who had been part of the winning Spalding team in the past.
He crossed the line in 54.46mins, almost two minutes clear of second placed George Thompson (Sleaford) on 56.39mins. Tom Comben, of Bourne, took third place in 57.50mins.
Spalding’s Ben Moore was best of the rest in a fantastic fourth place, clocking 58.23mins.
Moore’s ride separated out some fast times from other Sleaford riders, but in the end their times gained them the team prize.
Continuing his fine return to form after early season illness, eighth-placed Andy Bowser’s efforts to get inside the hour faded, missing out by 24 seconds – his finish time was 1.00.23hrs.
Simon Wright was next home for Spalding in 12th overall in a time of 1.04.34hrs, over a minute quicker than 13th placed Mark Hills (1.05.51hrs).
STRONG RIDE: Spalding’s Natalie Tooley was the second lady at the inter-club 25 event.
Enjoying a season of good results, Chris Bettinson recorded a time of 1.10.54hrs for 21st place after being chased hard by Barry Drew, who finished just 30 seconds later in 24th on 1.11.24hrs.
Dave Thornley, in his debut ride in this event and distance, stopped the clock on 1.12.05hrs, while Natalie Tooley took the award for second lady with her 1.16.49hrs.
- Heavy rain deterred all but four riders from signing up for Spalding CC’s club 17-mile time trial.
Nevertheless, all four – three club members and one guest – clearly wanted to get it over and done with as they posted impressive personal best (PB) times.
Andy Bowser was on top in 39.40mins, with Ross McGivern second on 40.52mins.
Mark Hills was a few minutes back in 43.10mins, finishing just behind Velo One’s Josh Wallis with 42.43mins.
As always, Spalding’s thanks go to the time keepers, organiser and marshals for making the events so successful and safe.
- Spalding Cycling Club also had a stand at Spalding Grammar School Fete to promote their activities.
The one they were highlighting the most is Go Ride, by offering leisure rides led by club members.
There was also a display of bikes and kit, as well as a time trial challenge on a turbo trainer for people of all ages to try. The latter proved popular and the club hope to see some of the people they spoke to at their events in the future.
Preparations are now underway for Alan Stacey’s “Moonlight ride” on Friday, as well as Go Ride and the usual Saturday club run over the weekend.
