CYCLING: Following the success earlier this month of the GYCC open 25 mile time-trial, some of Great Yarmouth Cycling Club’s more hardy members continued the flow of good form and participated in the Diss Cycling Club 25 mile TT last Sunday.

Unlike the Somerleyton time-trial earlier this month, which saw many riders using state-of-the-art machines, this event required riders to participate on retro bikes with no modern gadgets or time-saving devices.

Without the slightest glimmer of carbon fibre and armed only with their steel-framed companions, four GYCC riders tackled the rolling course from Bressingham to Thetford, and back again. With a strong wind and some steady climbs, many began to suffer in the final five to 10 miles.

Up first from Team GYCC was Neil Turner, who in March rode a fantastic time-trial to record a personal best of 1-00:48 around the challenging Somerleyton 25 TT course. Sat firmly upon his 1982 “Flying Gate,” Neil rode strongly for the majority of the time-trial only tosuffer a mechanical failure in the final mile.

He still recorded a time of 1-06. Following on from Neil’s mechanical disaster was Adam Houlgate, who also had bike problems with a slipped seat post, but managed to complete the circuit in a swift 1-09.

Making a solo time-trial debut after several decades away from the sport was Chris Roberts, a rider whose name adorns many of GYCC’s coveted club trophies and is synonymous with success during the 1970s and 80s.

Upon his fluorescent 1980s bike, Chris rode hard against the elements to obtain a fantastic time of 1-11, which not only gave him a fine welcome back into racing cycling but was enough to secure the top veteran rider prize.

Also relatively new to the club and a time-trial debutant is James Soames who, whilst riding his 1960s racing bike, had to endure the rising head wind. James rode with strength to record a debut great time.

Again Great Yarmouth Cycling Club was able to celebrate. Not only did Chris Roberts come top of the veterans’ category but GYCC were the fastest team in the event. These great achievements demonstrate, yet again, the calibre of riders in the club and shows how GYCC’s growth as a club has translated into success at a regional level.

Although it is still early in the season, club riders are starting to see the fruits of the labour showing through — proving that the winter training has been worthwhile and will translate into further results throughout the year.

With veteran members such as Chris, along with young riders who are currently taking part in the EasyStart Academy, the club is continuing to develop and embrace its community focus.

The next competitive event in the racing calendar is the Good Friday 10 mile TT, followed the day after by the Woodbridge Town Centre Criteriums. Hopefully GYCC’s competitive success will be able to continue with some good results at both of these events.

In the meantime, preparatory training continues at the club nights every Tuesday from 7-9pm at Cliff Park Junior School.

Anyone interested in getting involved is very welcome to attend and have a go on some of the club bikes and trainers.

For more information visit www.greatyarmouthcyclingclub.co.uk