Spalding Cycling Club’s time trialists were on record-breaking form at three keenly-contested events as they continued their impressive season.
Members of the thriving club featured the Fenland Clarion’s hosted Hereward League race on their fast 9.8 mile Helpston course, the Spalding open 25 mile time trial on the Donington to Grantham (and back) course and the first 17 mile club league event.
As has been the norm this season, it was the dynamic duo of Neil Palmer and Chris Ward who led the Spalding charge at all three events.
But special mention must be given to Barry Drew, who recorded personal best times (PBs) in all three events – as well as in the LRRA 50, in which he took a massive 17 minutes off his previous best.
In the Hereward League event, Palmer was first Spalding rider home in 22.45mins and eighth overall.
The event was won by Dave Langland (21.19mins) of the host club.
Spalding’s Ward took 13th in 23.06mins, while Simon Wright made up the club’s top three by finishing in 24th on 24.57mins.
Joe Andrews stopped the clock on 25.48mins for 27th, with Drew (36th) grabbing one of his PB times by finishing over a minute further back. He narrowly beat 37th-placed Gerry Charlwood (26.57mins) by six seconds.
Ross McGivern was next back with 27.12mins, followed shortly after by Sarah and Gary Bentley – separated by just one second with 27.52mins and 27.53mins.
Sophie Wright, making what is believed to be her Hereward League debut, followed up her recent PB with a fine 32.56mins.
Some 43 riders then faced timekeepers Sharon Fensom and Nikki Ellis for Spalding’s open 25 mile time trial, which was held in exceptionally good weather.
Organiser Ed Holliday did a great job and thanks go to all riders and all who assisted, marshalled and provided much needed refreshments from which we raised a £45 donation for Lincs Air Ambulance.
The event was won by Ian Pike of Fenland Road Club in 57.09mins, ahead of Richard Hamblin of Sleaford Wheelers (57.16mins) and Spalding’s Palmer (57.59mins) in second and third respectively. There were another five riders inside the hour – with the last of those being the host club’s Ward in 59.26mins.
First lady home was Helen Eborall of Born to Bike Bridgtown Cycles (1.02.18hrs), while Wright was the third Spalding rider home with 1.04.07hrs in 22nd place.
‘Mr PB’ Drew took 1.08.16mins to take 33rd place and third on handicap time, with Sarah Bentley completing the course in 1.11.41hrs to finish 37th overall and third lady.
Windy conditions faced the 19 riders who lined up for first 17 mile league event – a non-standard distance which stretches endurance and speed.
Despite that, Palmer and Ward turned out times inside 40 minutes – recording 38.57mins and 39.34mins respectively ahead of Andy Gurney in third with a PB time of 40.56mins.
Behind them, Andy Bowser took just 42.48mins to achieve a fourth place PB – six minutes quicker than his 2013 time.
More reported PBs went to Wright (43.45mins), McGivern (46.26mins) and Drew (53.02mins). Guest rider Callum McPartlin (Spalding Tri) clocked 42.56mins to finish just one second ahead of fifth-placed Ben Moore (42.57mins).
- Other times: Joe Andrews 43.27mins; Ben Richards 45.21mins; Harry Bellars 46.20mins; Rob Boothman 47.01mins; Andy Foster 47.51mins; Gary Bentley 48.50mins; Derek Chamberlain 49.22mins; Mark Hills 50.59mins; Brian Johnson 53.31mins; Chris Bettinson 54.14mins.
