MEMBERS of Ely and District Cycling Club joined forces with those of Newmarket Cycling and Triathlon club for their annual dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday. The event, held once again at Freckenham Village Hall, was superbly organised by Newmarket

MEMBERS of Ely and District Cycling Club joined forces with those of Newmarket Cycling and Triathlon club for their annual dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday.

The event, held once again at Freckenham Village Hall, was superbly organised by Newmarket's chairman and duathlon champion Dave Peck.

A minute's silence was observed in mark of respect for the four members of Rhyl Cycling Club who so tragically lost their lives in North Wales the previous Sunday when a car went into their group of riders on a regular club ride.

Distinguished roadman and Mildenhall Rally promoter Harvey Wright gave an insightful after-dinner speech while his wife Julie graced the event by awarding the trophies.

Club fast man Colin Whitechurch again set the bar for the season taking another impressive haul of trophies with the 25 mile senior series (first place), Sheriff Cup, FC Bodyworks Scratch (1st place-3rd place on standard), 50-mile trophy and a second place in the circuit series.

Snapping at Colin's wheels were Steve Presland, who had a fantastic first full season with the FC Bodyworks standard series (first place), 25-mile Handicap trophy (first) and a second place in the 25-mile senior series and Geoff Brewster who took first place in the circuit series, 2nd in the hill climb, Sheriff Cup and FC Bodyworks scratch.

Derek Bailey took firm hold of the much coveted Vets 25-mile trophy (on standard) while Celia Whitchurch again received a well deserved Ladies Best-All-Round trophy as well as a first in the Ladies 10-mile series and second in the FC Bodyworks standard competition. The 2005 10-mile handicap trophy was won by a resurgent Martin Holland with John Thorogood getting a well fought-for second and new member Eddie Green picking up third.

Martin Brown rode away with the Derek Maskell Cup while Marc Cox took the Hill Climb trophy and Clubman of the Year.

Ely's 2006 season will kick off on February 12 with the 25-mile Hardriders event starting and finishing in Little Downham from 10am.

Tuesday evening events will resume on April 4 with the two-lap Witcham-Mepal circuit. For more details either log on to www.elycyclingclub.com or contact Marc Cox on 01353 749507.