ELY & District Cycling Club s meeting of April 14 saw riders tackle the popular Little Downham and Coveney 12 mile circuit in testing conditions. While the rain stayed away, a steady headwind made the open stretch of the A142 a tough return home. Listed

ELY & District Cycling Club's meeting of April 14 saw riders tackle the popular Little Downham and Coveney 12 mile circuit in testing conditions. While the rain stayed away, a steady headwind made the open stretch of the A142 a tough return home.

Listed as a two-up event where riders are encouraged to ride as a pair, Phillip Peacock and Steve Lightfoot set the bar at 30:54 as fastest team of the evening while father and son duo of Martin and Chris Brown pulled off a top ride of 34:32 to claim second place.

Andy Darly and Graeme Osler clocked 38:01 and husband and wife duo Colin and Celia Whitechurch rode their tandem to 33:36.

Of the riders opting for a solo effort, Alan Newark (29:21) pulled ahead of rival Jason Nixon (29:56) while Lee Desborough finished with 30:09.

Some other impressive efforts included John McAndrew (31:45), Geoff Brewster (32:32) and Cliff Loveday (32:52). Ely hardrider John 'Turbo' Thorogood (38:07) was back in action after his epic 102 mile ride in the Cheshire Cat sportive ride. New rider and accomplished runner Chris Hardman posted a time of 40:12, using the effort as useful training for ambitions in Duathlon (cycling and running) this season.

The next event for the Club will be on April 28 at 18:45 for a 25 mile course from Witchford to Chatteris and back.

INFO: elycyclingclub.com.

Results

2 up

1 Phil Peacock/Steve Lightfoot 30.54

2 Chris Brown/Martin Brown 34.32

3 Andy Darly/Graeme Osler 38.01

Tandem

Colin & Celia Whitechurch 33.36

Solo

1 Alan Newark 29.21

2 Jason Nixon 29.56

3 Lee Desborough 30.09

4 John McAndrew 31.45

5 Geoff Brewster 32.32

6 Cliff Loveday 32.52

7 Jason Ward 35.47

8 John Jermy 35.56

9 John Thorogood 38.07

10 Roger Taylor 39.18

11 Chris Hardman 40.12

12 Eddie Green 40.16

13 Ben Stephens 40.45

14 Jody Day 41.53

Martin Holland dns (broken spoke)