Spalding Cycling Club’s 2016 time trial season culminated with the race for what is arguably the most sought-after trophy – the 10 Mile Championships.
Another breezy and warm night awaited the 13 club members eligible for the trophy race and the seven guests.
The season-long tussle between Andy Bowser, Ben Moore and Ross McGivern provided speculation about the likely top three finish order before a pedal was turned.
As Andy and Ben did not ride the 2015 Championship race no previous result suggested a possible outcome but, with Ben on five league event wins to Andy’s four in 2016, it was clear that the race would be hard fought.
Despite more traffic than usual, the early starters benefitted enabling a couple of PBs from Kimberley Fisher and Helen Wallis with 39.12 and 32.09 respectively but, in general, the head wind slowed others.
Unluckily a knee injury slowed Nicole Flatters’ ride – she posted 35.34 which was quick enough to secure third lady in the league overall standings while Under 16 Ed Gurney finished on 36.34, only 14 seconds slower than his PB.
Topping and tailing his season, Paul Kendall made a welcome return by recording 35.25.
Just 24 seconds separated the other Under 16s Will Gurney and Tom Wright who were both a little slower than in previous races but nevertheless returned creditable times of 29.39 and 29.53. Will’s ride time in 2015 was 49 seconds quicker.
Posting her second fastest time for the distance this season, Sarah Bentley’s 28.36 confirmed her as second lady in the overall standings, repeating the result of 2015 when she recorded 28.33.
For Barry Drew, fifth place on the night with 28.32 earned him enough points to take 10th in the overall standings.
Echoing the 2015 results again, Natasha Tooley bettered her finish time of 28.26 in 2015 by posting 28.00 exactly and claiming first lady in the league overall standings again.
Frazer Wallis posted 25.40, which was believed to be a PB time and a great way to finish his first season with the club.
As the late starters finished it became apparent that the race would be tight and, when Ross McGivern posted 24.25 – 10 seconds faster than his Fisherman’s Arms win time – tension mounted.
As it turned out though Under 16 category Matt Ellis, riding as second claim member, took third spot on the podium with a PB ride of 23.46, pushing Ross down to 4th – the same as 2015.
Chasing Matt down to take second place overall, Ben Moore stopped the clock on 23.04, his second fastest time on the out and back course.
Top spot went to the on-form Andy Bowser with a third win in succession on this course.
With times of 23.10, 23.03 and 23.01, Bowser got inside 23 minutes after posting 22.42 to claim the Club 10 Mile Championship title.
Usual guests from Velo One Neil Palmer, Josh Wallis and Adam Ellis put in finish times of 21.40, 23.11 and 25.18 while the Bourne Wheelers’ pair of Gareth and Bryn Richards posted 25.42 and 26.27.
They were separated by Fenland Road Club’s Paul Matthews in 26.17. Rockingham Forest’s Ian Aunger finished with 27.07.
Thanks go to all the officials – Sarah Bentley, George Bellars, Sharon Fensom, Nicki Ellis and Jo Bellars – marshals, helpers and the staff of the Fisherman’s Arms for all their work in making this season so successful.
Events continue with the Club Hill Climb Championship – ‘Dash down the Delph’, late season time trials, cyclo cross, including the Three Peaks for some, as well as more leisure orientated cycling on the Saturday club runs and the ladies’ only rides.
