ELY and District Cycling Club s first time trial of the season saw CC Breckland star Alan Newark, record the fastest time, on a single-speed machine. Eight riders raced two laps of the four-mile circuit at Witcham and Mepal. Newark recorded a blistering

ELY and District Cycling Club's first time trial of the season saw CC Breckland star Alan Newark, record the fastest time, on a single-speed machine.

Eight riders raced two laps of the four-mile circuit at Witcham and Mepal.

Newark recorded a blistering 20min 40sec.

Ely and District Cycling Club's Marc Cox said: "It's a remarkable achievement because single-speed bikes require much more skill in their handling as well as some very fast legs."

Ely's Steve Presland was second in 20:44, his club's quickest time of the event. Presland was looking very much the man in form, although admitted afterwards he'd found the going tough with some considerable side winds to contend with.

Mr Cox said: "Steve will certainly be a force to be reckoned with as the season hots up, giving some of the other big names of Ely and District something to worry about when it comes to bagging those club trophies."

A fine turn of the pedal came from seasoned tester Philip Peacock, who clocked a superb 21:50, while another Ely roadman Cliff Loveday recorded a solid 23:44, and newcomer Andrew Wills managed a creditable 24:25.

The return of George Webb to the club's evening trials saw him cross the finish line at 24:51, and more stirling riding came from Eddie Green and Celia Whitechurch, who both finished at Elean roundabout with 27:02 and 28:07 respectively.

Club member Ray Jolly did a single lap and was clocked at 16:27.

n The club's next event will be the 13-mile Little Downham and Coveney circuit on Tuesday (April 17).

Riders should meet around 15 minutes before the 6.45pm start time at the Ely Rugby club car park, just off the A10. Beginners are always welcome; no specialist equipment is needed, but a helmet is advised.

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