CYCLING: The weekend proved to be one of the most important on the Great Yarmouth Cycling Club calendar so far this year.

Not only did Saturday see the return of the EasyStart Academy but also the club’s first open time trial of the season on Sunday.

Over 50 riders lined the roads around St Olaves and Somerleyton to take part in the event organised by GYCC chairman, Norman Harlow.

The circuit saw competitors pit themselves against the clock to ride the 25-mile course, taking on some twists, turns and hills.

Of the 50-plus riders, 10 GYCC members took part in the event with numerous others handling marshalling duties or cheering on team-mates.

Congratulations went to VC Baracchi rider Liam Gentry for the fastest ride of the day, completing the challenging circuit in 57.33, as well as Simon Asher of VC Norwich with the second-fastest time of 59.32 and GYCC’s time trial specialist Neil Turner for a fantastic time of 1:00.48 despite suffering from mechanical failures along the way.

Competitors came from across Norfolk and Suffolk, including numerous riders from Diss and Norwich.

With such a large number of time trialists from the region riding this event, congratulations went to Neil for achieving such a great time in a highly-competitive field. It again demonstrates GYCC’s success not only within the town but as a top-rate cycling club.

GYCC had riders of all ages competing in this early-season event which was highlighted by Josh Carr, 15, who until three weeks ago had never ridden a road bike, let alone a time trial.

Veteran rider Chris Roberts, some 50 years older than Josh, also made his first competitive appearance for over 30 years and demonstrated some of his old form to record a great time.

Despite being an early-season warm-up event, last Sunday’s time trial highlighted just how well the club has developed since last year to attract so many riders of varying ages.

The success of the EasyStart Academy, which returned on Saturday, plays a big part in the flow into the club’s membership, enabling riders young and old to try their hand at a new sport.

The next major club event is the Good Friday 10 mile time trial, details for which be posted on www.greatyarmouthcyclingclub.co.uk shortly.

In the meantime, riders should feel free to attend the club night every Tuesday evening at Cliff Park Junior School from 7-9pm.