Josh Wallis topped the leaderboard at the first of Spalding Cycling Club’s five-mile championship after setting a sensational club record.
Despite the chilly and typically blustery weather there was a good turn out of 20 members and three guests which, given the absence of some regulars, augurs well for the coming season.
On a night not particularly conducive to fast riding, there were some excellent times set with Wallis leading the way.
His personal best (PB), club and course record time of 10.50mins saw him beat pre-race favourite Neil Palmer (11.12mins), who is making a welcome return to the club after a sojourn with Velo One to take the championship.
Another notable effort saw Matt Ellis, sacrificing the aerodynamics of a time trial bike and riding his road bike, take third spot and first junior with a club junior record 11.24mins.
Tilley Gurney also impressed with a PB time of 13.13mins, only five seconds down on her father Andrew 13.08mins.
Considering he was forced to ride his Cyclo-Cross bike, Tom Wright pulled out a creditable 13.19mins to pip father Simon (14.16mins).
Bill Wood, the club’s elder statesman determined to add to his list of more than 1000 time trials in his career, finished with 20.28mins.
Results: Josh Wallis 10.50mins (PB); Neil Palmer 11.12mins; Matt Ellis 11.24mins; Tim Lister 11.32mins; Kieran Buffham 11.42mins; Adam Ellis 11.47mins; Frazer Wallis 12.21mins; Mark Hills 12.37mins; Chris Bettinson 13.05mins; Andrew Gurney 13.08mins; Tilly Gurney 13.13mins (PB); Thomas Wright 13.19mins; James Bramma 13.50mins; Simon Wright 14.16mins; Nigel Howard 14.39mins; Brian Johnson 15.59mins; Derek Chamberlain 16.03mins; Gary Hignett 16.28mins; Edward Gurney 17.41mins; Bill Wood 20.28mins.
Guests: Chris Ward (Team Swift) 11.19mins; Lee Thomas (Bourne Wheelers) 12.34mins; Maddie Gammons (NJC Biemme Echelon) 12.45mins.
- Spalding’s Neil Palmer Team Swift’s Chris Ward both finished well in the Leicester CC ten-mile TT last month.
On a course with a number of bends made dangerous by the rain and wind, Palmer managed ninth in 21.33mins and Ward took 11th in 21.49mins.
- Easter weekend was a busy one for Spalding riders. On the Saturday, Sleaford CC held their Charity ten-mile event on the A15 with a very strong field of 104.
Palmer took seventh place overall and first veteran in 21.33mins, while Tim Lister finish 16th in 23.00mins to pip Ward in 17th (23.05mins).
Easter Sunday then saw a contingent headed to Fakenham for their town centre criterium races.
In the youth race Tom Wright, who is starting to show real promise, was in with the lead group – but had the misfortune to snap a chain after only three laps.
The category four senior race, with a field of 32, saw Frazer Wallis put in a tremendous performance to take the win. Ever-present Chris Bettinson finished 21st, with Simon Wright 29th.
In the women’s race, with a field of 18, Tilley Gurney finished 13th.
In the men’s category one and two race with a field of 42 club riders, Josh Wallis and Keiran Buffham finished sixth and 27th respectively.
- In addition to racing, Spalding CC runs a British Cycling Go Ride programme for riders aged five to 16. It is aimed at the skills necessary for safe and successful cycling.
On Saturday mornings there is a regular social ride involving a cafe stop, which is a good introduction for anyone not used to riding in a group.
These rides leave Gibbons Cycle Shop (Winsover Road) at 9am.
The club also has a vibrant social side with several events during the season. All newcomers are welcome and anyone interested in contacting the club can visit www.spaldingcc.org.uk for more information.
