Spalding Cycling Club had two reasons to celebrate at an inter-club 25 mile time trial hosted by neighbours Bourne Wheelers.
A field of 29 riders from Spalding, Sleaford, Bourne and Boston Wheelers took on the course, which took them from Donington to Osbournby and then to Quarrington.
Top individual honours went to Spalding ace Neil Palmer, whose 54.43mins was a significant improvement on the 56.14mins he took to win the same event in 2014.
Jason Burrill, riding as a second claim member for Bourne, posted 55.17mins, while Sleaford’s Richard Hamblin finished close behind with 55.27mins.
First lady was Kathryn Smith, of Sleaford Wheelers, in 1.10.07hrs. Kayleigh Adams and Natali Tooley – both of Spalding – were next in 1.11.51hrs and 1.15.19hrs respectively. Both were in their first 25 mile TT events.
In the team competition it was Spalding who came out on top, posting an aggregate time of 2.51.12hrs.
The strong team of Palmer, Ben Moore (57.28mins) and Adam Ellis (59.01mins) delivered the goods to clinch and impressive team title.
Other Spalding times: Simon Wright (1.02.30hrs), Ross McGivern 1.03.16hrs, Mark Hills (1.05.17hrs) and Ben Richards (1.06.20hrs).
- Some 19 riders line-up as Spalding hosted round three of the Hereward League.
Once again, the overall winner was Spalding’s Palmer in 37.27mins, with team-mate Chris Ward second on 37.42mins.
Burrill, of Peterborough CC, made up the podium in 37.50mins, while Adam Ellis posted 40.23mins for sixth overall and third Spalding rider – and so clinching the team prize.
Elsewhere, Spalding’s Moore put in a slightly slower time of 42.23mins but gave Ross McGivern someone to chase as he posted a personal best (PB) of 42.43mins.
Mark Hills finished with 44.57mins, just off the pace of his previous ride, while Sam Bentley stopped the clock with a fine 45.25mins.
Also impressing was Tooley, whose new bike enabled her to improve her PB to 49.03mins – which is over a minute quicker.
Chris Bettinson made up the Spalding contingent, putting in a time of 49.33mins, which was another PB.
