Spalding Cycling Club members toasted another super season annual presentation night at the Castle Sports Complex last Friday.
Before the awards were dished out, speeches from chairman Simon Wright, club secretary Gary Bentley and Go Ride coach Chris Peel offered a more light-hearted review of the year.
In the junior section, the awards for best all- rounders in time trialling were made to Sam Bentley and Tilly Gurney. Senior best all-rounder, covering ten, 25, 50 and 100 mile time trials, went to Sarah Bentley, who collected the Ray Pell Award, and Barry Drew.
One of Spalding’s newer members, Mark Hills, picked up the prize for best novice, while long time member and club president Derek Chamberlain took the Fisherman’s Cup for best handicap performance.
Following on from his win in 2013, Ben Moore managed to knock another three seconds off his hill climb time to retain his title.
The next award saw Jake Norton’s consistent performances throughout the cyclo cross season, racing in both his Spalding and latterly in Sherwood Pines SRAM RT kit, recognised. He earned the gong for best results from a club rider.
For road racing, the senior and junior awards were made to Adam Ellis and Bryn Richards respectively. They both enjoyed a good season racing in national level events.
The Beryl Harding Trophy was awarded to new rising star Molly Peel for best Go Rider, while Aimee Stocker, despite missing some of the season due to injury, managed to do enough to retain her ten mile time trial title.
Sam Bentley’s combined efforts in the Lincs Road Records Association Junior Best All Rounder event, road racing and fine ride in the Three Peaks Cyclo Cross saw him take away the James Avery Trophy for outstanding performance.
Next up was a new award for exceptional individual or team performance on hard or grass track was made. Donated by press officer Tim Bryett, it recognises the increasing ability of some of the club’s members and their growing interest in track racing.
Fittingly, the trophy was awarded to Tilly Gurney, who has had a very successful season in the velodrome and on the grass track.
Unfortunately, Neil Palmer was not present to receive his usual large haul of prizes following yet another amazing season, combining a full season of sportives, time trialling and cyclo cross.
Clubman of the year – awarded to a member for their contribution to the club’s success off the bike – went to press officer Bryett, who has supplied a host of reports over the year.
Jo Bellars accepted a bunch of flowers on behalf of herself, Sharon and Nicky – the club’s time keepers.
Last, but not least, a special mention was made for the massive part the refreshments team make to Spalding’s many events.
