A CROSSWIND in the Fens had competitors in the Ely Hardriders 25 leaning over while riding in a, more or less, straight line.

A CROSSWIND in the Fens had competitors in the Ely Hardriders 25 leaning over while riding in a, more or less, straight line.

At least the wind direction – a tailwind on the fast A10 leg and a headwind on the notoriously rough road by the Forty-Foot Drain where high speed is nigh-on impossible - was better than the other way round.

Winner of this semi-classic was James Coleman of the Grantham-based Witham Wheelers whose 57:24 was the only under-the-hour ride and beat former winner Sam Barker (Planet X) by 2:49.

Among local riders Lee Desborough from Soham was fourth in 1:1:51, Phil Jarvis of Colchester Rovers recorded 1:7:05 and James Rush (CC Sudbury) 1:7:48.

Mark Ready, 1:11:10, was the fastest from the Diss club though clubmate Duncan Murphy (1:13:06) had ridden to the event from his home in Red Lodge, and by the end of the day had put 92 miles under his wheels.

GUEST of honour at the Godric CC dinner was Nigel Brigham, eastern regional director of Sustrans the sustainable transport charity, who had ridden to the event at Bungay from Norwich station. Among the award winners were Simon Scott, Mark Elmy and John Dupen who shared a host of racing cups, Steve Smith who won the clubrun attendance trophy, Margaret Sheppard the Gong for service to the club and Barry Debenham the Edna Wigby Trophy for best club member.

RACING on the Hog Hill circuit at Redbridge Jeff Orrey (Essex Roads) took fifth spot in the event for second & third category riders. Nick Esser and Liam Gentry of VC Baracchi both made solo sallies off the front of the bunch, but finished back in its shelter, in 10th and 14th places respectively.