Repeat of 2014 as Palmer edges out Ward to claim crown

The coveted Club Championship was up for grabs at Spalding Cycling Club’s last ten mile time trial event of the season – and there was a familiar feel to the top trio.

Held amid less that favourable conditions, just 11 members and four guests took part in the showpiece race.

In a reversal of fortunes from round 12 when Chris Ward got the better of Neil Palmer, it was Palmer who was fastest on the night – posting 22.19mins to finish 14 seconds ahead of Ward.

Third place overall went to Sam Bentley (25.36mins), meaning the top three mirrored the podium from the 2014 Championship.

First position in the ladies’ race went to Natasha Tooley, whose 28.26mins was a fine personal best (PB) on a night when some riders struggled with the wind and greasy road surfaces.

Second lady was Sarah Bentley with 28.33mins.

Meanwhile, the only under-16 member – Will Gurney – clocked a creditable 28.50mins.

Other Spalding times: Ross McGivern 25.48mins, Barry Drew 27.40mins, Rob Boothman 28.27mins, Sarah Bentley 28.33mins, Chris Bettinson (Fisherman’s Arms Trophy winner) 30.27mins,

Derek Chamberlain with 32.30mins. Guest riders: Bryn Richards (Bourne Wheelers) 26.55mins (PB); P Matthews (Fenland Road Club) 26.38mins; Gareth Richards (Bourne Wheelers) 27.14mins;

Louise Day (Team Swift) 27.30mins.

• Spalding’s club hill climb championship was less well attended than usual, with only seven members taking the start.

For the third year in succession Ben Moore took the title, albeit in a much slower time of 1.01.79hrs – which was over six minutes down on the 54.55mins he took to complete the course in 2014.

Second and third places went to Adam and Matt Ellis, who finished with 1.05.04hrs and 1.07.01hrs respectively.

Of the others, who all rode the 2014 event, it was only Mark Hills who recorded a faster time this year, posting 1.15.60hrs.

That was good enough for fifth place behind Chris Ward, who stopped the clock at the top of Manthorpe hill on 1.08.35hrs. Gary and Sarah Bentley made up the results with ride times of 1.28.51hrs and 1.44.66hrs respectively.