CYCLING: Great Yarmouth CC took the Norwich 50 and 100-mile challenge rides by storm at the weekend with strong group of over 30 riders.

The majority of the club riders had never ridden this distance before The first part of the run was tough into the wind and the GYCC group worked well as a team and soon swept up many of the other riders.

The GYCC team was led by chairman Norman Harlow and club sportive captain Jules Claxton. The weekly Tuesday night club training sessions at Cliff Park Junior School were paying dividends, as the pace increased. The GYCC team kept their spirits high and sped through the 20, 10 and five miles to go boards and still mostly stuck together as a single, impressive yellow and black group.

The last five miles were extraordinary. Local cycling returner, Glenn Holmes, an ex-professional rider who won many European and UK races in the 1990s, was controlling the tempo and new riders Stuart Burdett, Anthony Perkins and Tim Amphlett (on his hybrid bike with flat bars) were assisting him well.

Local schools Bike-It officer Kevin House delivered a high pace for the final few miles and the team flew past the last few riders still ahead of the team. It was great to see the jovial Clive Julian, Simon Dix, Rob Harlow, Mark Nickerson, Ray Eastick, Jon Balfour, Clive Bond, Matt Sutton, Steve Baker and Lee Cheung firmly in the finishing group with regular racers Neil Turner, Ben Mackett, Adam Houlgate (riding a single-speed fixed-wheel), Trevor Hockold and Paul Lewis.

Six months ago, few of the 30 or so GYCC riders would have expected to complete 100 miles. But they flew the flag for Great Yarmouth and completed the course comfortably under the five-and-a-half hour mark.

Graham Flower completed the gruelling 100 miles after returning to the club recently after a period of less-than-perfect health and inspired all with his performance.

Clive Reynolds, Nick Popay and Adele Postle also flew the flag for GYCC with an earlier start and also completed the course. Club newcomer Nick really suffered over the final few miles but made it to the line in a very respectable time.

Paul Anderson rode the 30 or so miles home afterwards in preparation for his 12-hour time trial assault later in the year. Husband and wife duo of Kevin and Suzie Nevard also completed the route for the first time together.

In the 50 mile event, youngsters Zak Coleman), William Sampson and Jack Colby completed the course. Zak and Jack (both 12) and Will (14) regularly attend the weekend and mid-week club events.

All the GYCC members enjoyed their day and relaxed afterwards, clutching their certificates and medals, knowing they had done their bit for charity too.

The Norwich 50/100 raises thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation charity each year and attracts well over 1,000 riders.

If you fancy a challenge and want to ride next year, want to get started in cycling, or just want to enjoy your cycling more, then visit the GYCC website at www.greatyarmouthcyclingclub.co.uk or ring club secretary, Neil Turner, on 07850 999 594.

The club meets several times a week, has a fleet of road bikes to help you get started and welcomes all ages, abilities and experience levels.