Cycling: Ron’s a winner

Other Chelmer times were G. Boden in 23.42, and A. Grant 24.15. The next morning Dave Nock clocked 2.0.24 in the Eastern Counties "50".

Meanwhile, Steve Freeman, 1.53.06, Adrian Tovey 1.56.35 and Garry Barton 1.57.06, set a new club team record, 5.46.47, beating by 11 seconds the figures put up by Freeman, Mike Hawthorne and Jim Perrin in 1991. Gary Barton's time was also a new club record for the veterans 40-50 age group.

While Dick Wall, also in this group, clocked 2.4.16, Colchester's Rik Van Looy was the winner 1.47.19, from John Sharples, Eastbourne 1.47.57.

The Lea Valley promotion covers 86 miles in around four hours, including nine times up North Hill, Little Baddow. Nevertheless over 100 entries were returned. The two Chelmer riders figured well with Brian Gowdy, one of three in an early break which lasted for 35 miles.

After lots of attacking, Steve Freeman got away with another rider, a group of six finally made the decisive move from which emerged eventual winner Paul Roberts, Condor Cycles, with Clive Richardson, Harlow, Andy Ballentyne, Easterley, taking second and third. Steve was placed fifth and Brian 26th.

The Rotary Club of Colchester Forum are organising a Cyclathon in aid of Headway, starting from the Orpen Hall, West Bergholt.

There are two routes, either 26 miles, or 52 miles. Registration for this event is by a minimum of £5 sponsorship or £6 on the day. Children under 14 with a parent are free.

Registration and sponsorship forms are available from Colchester Cycle Stores, St Johns Street, Gunton's, Crouch Street, W. E. Wass, Long Wyre Street, Headway, 58b Head Street (Sir Isaacs Walk entrance), Cycle King, 48a East Street, and Upchurch & Son, St Nicholas Passage.

For further information contact David Upchurch on 01206 575937

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.