The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
There was a familiar feel at the sharp end of Spalding Cycling Club’s second 17-mile time trial event of the season last Tuesday night.
A very warm evening with a rising head wind on South Fen Road made for a slightly slower outing than the previous week’s opener and attracted a good field of 15 club members and five guests.
In a repeat of the first event, the top three places were occupied by winner Neil Palmer (37.09mins), Chris Ward (37.38mins) and Ben Moore (39.38mins).
Over a minute then passed before fourth place went to Andy Bowser in 40.49mins.
Behind them, Simon Wright and Ross McGivern confirmed their consistency and improved fitness by posting personal best (PB) rides of 42.32mins and 43.05mins respectively.
Other confirmed PBs went to Mark Hills who, having handed over the unlucky rider award to Robert Boothman, recorded 44.01mins, and Barry Drew who finished on 47.56mins just one second down on Derek Chamberlain.
In his first ride at the distance, Matt Hull was the only under-16 club member in the event posting a fine 48.28mins, while the only lady member racing, Natasha Tooley, finished with 50.19mins.
Other Spalding times: Andrew Gurney (43.22mins), Ben Heron (45.31mins) and Ben Richards (45.47mins).
The guests included Gareth Richards and his under-16 son Bryn (both Bourne Wheelers), who both posted PBs of 45.38mins and 48.40mins respectively. Bryn’s ride was his first at the distance.
Louise Day, a welcome regular at all Spalding events, put in a fine ride of 48.30mins to complete a day which included a three-hour training ride in the morning.
Richard Young, of Spalding Tri, improved on his time from the previous week as he stopped the clock on 46.05mins, while Rex Stamp made his debut ride count with an impressive 47.36mins.
- Making the journey to Scunthorpe Track’s Friday League was worthwhile for Tilly Gurney, Spalding’s second claim member who rides for the Squadra Donne Shutt VR team.
Despite strong competition, consistent riding in a variety of races saw Gurney make it onto the podium with second place in the youth four-lap scratch race, third in the youth devil and another second in the youth one-lap Sprint.
Securing fourth place in the youth four-lap handicap also clinched Gurney the award for first girl.
