ALAN Newark was in sparkling form during Ely and District Cycling Club s latest evening time trial. The CC Breckland ace battled fierce winds with deceptive ease and set the bar for local riders, recording 30min 46sec, for the 13-mile Earith and Haddenham

ALAN Newark was in sparkling form during Ely and District Cycling Club's latest evening time trial.

The CC Breckland ace battled fierce winds with deceptive ease and set the bar for local riders, recording 30min 46sec, for the 13-mile Earith and Haddenham circuit.

Two top Ely riders battled for second spot with the in-form Steve Presland (31:49) edging it over Colin Whitechurch (32:15). Whitechurch rode with pure class to take the second spot for club riders and spice up the competition for the end of season trophy haul.

Another top effort from Tom Sykes, pictured, saw him beat a determined rhythm on the pedals for 32:44 with fellow Ely fast man Geoff Brewster racing in a time just two seconds adrift.

Veterans Brian Cooper, Roy Benstead and Martin Holland welcomed new rider Kai Speaight to the start line, who proved to be a dark horse, recording a superb first effort of 33:15.

Andrew 'cyclone' Clarke admitted a feeling of disappointment at his 33:40 despite the fact he was recovering from a weekend of tough road racing in which he finished in the main bunch.

Road racing requires an altogether different set of cycling skills than those in time-trials and it is something that Clarke looks set to do well in. Richard Lee again demonstrated the essential ingredient in cycling, determination, with his 38:43 while Celia Whitechurch fought hard in the increasingly difficult conditions for 40:11 and the coveted 'Lantern Rouge'.

The next event for the club will be on May 22 for the 25 mile Witchford - Chatteris Sherrif Cup course. All eyes will be on the top five finishers who are expected to make this a close trophy result. Riders should meet around 15 minutes before the official start time of 6.45pm at the Witchford Pavilion on Bedwell Hey Lane.

For more information go to www.elycyclingclub.com or call Marc Cox on 01223 263862.