Cyclists hit the road again

This early season opener tests the riders’ ability to navigate a given course in a given time.

A total of 29 riders signed on to brave yet another wet and windy Sunday, and had the choice of three distances.

Two riders chose the 50km distance, Phil Coney taking on only his third ride since breaking his collar bone just before Christmas.

Thirteen riders electing to do the 50 mile course, with only Steve King and Andy Neal beating the three-and-a-half-hour qualification time due to the 40 mph headwind coming back home from Colsterworth.

The rest all finished inside the four hour time limit, including former national ladies’ champion Theresa Coltman and Norman Portess, returning to form since serious injury and a series of set backs.

Fourteen riders braved the 70 mile route and were led home by Scottish national coach Gray Coltman.

The rest of the riders came home in small groups, again due to the wind and the stiff climbs of Little Ponton and Denton.

The club was then hosted by More Coffee Co in the market place.

This is the first year that Tina and Bill Vetcher hadn’t invited riders back to their house for homemade soup and cakes, due to the increased membership and riders participating.

A total of £85 was raised, with the money being split between Oxfam and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.