Lancaster Cycling Club

Almost certainly the best evening of the year so far down at Salt Ayre - warm, dry & close to windless. And the best turn out too, with a total of 94 riders across the three distances; 18 at two miles, 31 at six miles, and 45 at ten miles. It was great to mingle over a cuppa afterwards, to hear about people's tumbling times, and to witness the quiet smiles of satisfaction spreading across their faces - a modest but well-earned pleasure.

Ian Richardson completed only the first few laps of his ten mile time trial, and therefore inadvertantly won the two mile time trial by a good margin, in the year's fastest time of 4:44. Jack Tipler was second in 6:00, and Max Davies third in 6:18. Fastest girl was Emilia Wood in 6:33, with Esther Wong not far behind in 6:39.

We saw the year's fastest rides at six miles too, with George Mason winning in an excellent 15:04, followed by Bobby Horton in 15:21, and James McCracken in 16:00. Honours for fastest girl were shared by Evie Barrow and Sasha Oldham, both recording the very good time of 16:58.

A superb battle at ten miles, with three of this year's best performing riders all cracking 22 minutes and separated by mere seconds; Andrew Horn taking the win in 21:44, from Sam Monkhouse in 21:47, and George Wharton in 21:53. Among the many other notable performances, young Ben Barlow finished in 22:50 and 5th place, finally beating his dad Andrew, by 11 seconds. With Lynn Hamel volunteering track-side, the competition for fastest woman was close fought, with Alison Oldham in 26:07 edging out Jenny Evans in 26:39.

Very well done to all riders taking part, including those - such as 13 year old Ben Keenan with his sparkling brand new bike - tackling a time trial for the very first time. It's always really, really great to see new faces down at the track, and to watch them test themselves over whichever distance.

At Salt Ayre next week we'll be having a mid-season BBQ and the presentation of prizes for the best rides of the season so far. Very kindly sponsored by Clarkson Hirst Solicitors, there's £25 for fastest, £15 for second fastest, and £20 for best gauged ride so far over each of the distances (with younger riders only eligible for the two & six mile prizes). So let's hope for another good night, and we hope to see you down there!

As ever, thanks to all who helped on the night, and full results available by clicking on 'Read more' just below.