CYCLING ELY Cycling Club held a 25-mile Time Trial event last week, and a chilly evening was lit up with some first class performances. Elite category rider Dan Staite (Python RT) returned to show what the professionals can do with a trail-blazing 56.43 o

CYCLING

ELY Cycling Club held a 25-mile Time Trial event last week, and a chilly evening was lit up with some first class performances.

Elite category rider Dan Staite (Python RT) returned to show what the professionals can do with a trail-blazing 56.43 over the A142 course.

Staite was hunted down by another of Britain's top road-racers Ben Price, who rides for the prestigious Pinarello Racing Team.

Price - who was taking time out from working for the country's top road racer Russell Downing and former Tour de France legend Malcolm Elliot - got in some useful training miles, completing the course in 1.01.40.

The indomitable Alan Newark - in a show of physical ability that once again left many gasping in awe - rode a single-geared machine to near destruction with the second best time of 57.41, whilst Jason Nixon produced an amazing effort to mix it with the elite riders, finishing third in 59.47.

Tom Sykes (pictured) was first home of the Ely riders, claiming the much-coveted Sheriff Cup with a time of 1.02.54, finishing fifth overall.

That was just enough to see off the challenge of Geoff Brewster (1.03.00) and Steve Presland (1.04.00).

Another new face - Stephen Mavin - produced a superb first time of 1.07.06, whilst Derek Bailey and John Thorogood rode through the pain barrier to 1.09.55 and 1.14.39 respectively.

In the 10-mile race, Andy Bright recorded the fastest time of 24.18 closely followed by Colin Whitechurch (24.34) and Andy Stephen (25.42).

Whitechurch had also been in action the previous weekend, recording 24.11 for the same distance whilst his wife Ceila hit the line in 28.24.

The pair then took a massive 50 seconds off their best 50-mile tandem time, stopping the clock in 2.02.48.

Youngster Ben Stephen meanwhile rode one of his best 10-mile time trials, clocking 29.29 to confirm his rapid rise through the ranks.

The club's next event is another 25-mile trial on 3 June on the Mepal-Witchford-Mepal course.

Riders should meet at the Witchford Pavilion (Bedwell Hey Lane) at least 15 minutes before the 7.30 pm starting time.

Riders - all of whom are welcome, including newcomers - can also opt for the shorter 10-mile event.

For more information ring Marc Cox on (01223) 263862.

Sheriff Cup winner Tom Sykes in action.