A record 164 cyclists set out from Great Cornard for Cycle Club Sudbury’s reliability trials, attracted by the bright sunshine and routes that take riders through some of the most attractive villages in Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: Riders on the CC Sudbury Reliability RidesRiders on the CC Sudbury Reliability Rides (Image: Archant)

There were plenty of mud-splattered, but generally happy, faces to be seen as finishers tucked into refreshments by the mug-full at the Stevenson Centre afterwards.

There were two routes, the longer 46 miler took riders to the outskirts of Stowmarket, while the more relaxed 27 mile alternative headed for Bildeston.

Elsewhere, the East District Cycling Association prize presentation was at Carbrooke near Watton, so Ipswich riders Angus Jardine and Andrew Leggett, who made the journey by bike, had a nearly 90 mile return trip.

As Jardine kept collecting award plaques for absent IBC clubmates, it was just as well he was wearing two racing vests with a total of six pockets all of which were bulging for the ride home!

East Anglian Daily Times: Angus Jardine (Ipswich BC) with SPOCO East Competition Organiser Christine Willmetts at the East District CA Prize Presentation at CarbrookeAngus Jardine (Ipswich BC) with SPOCO East Competition Organiser Christine Willmetts at the East District CA Prize Presentation at Carbrooke (Image: Archant)

Probably the biggest haul of awards was collected by Paul Jay who received plaques and medals both on his own account and on behalf of his VeloVelocity teammates, Daniel Bloy, Dave Green and Ben Keeley who set a new national team competition record of 851.79 miles in the CC Breckland 12 hour in September.

Distinguished veteran rider Connie Tapper from Elmswell presented the prizes at the annual lunch of the Wolsey Road Club and Suffolk CTC at the Finn Valley Golf Club.

Wolsey Club Champion was Bob Quarton while Best All-Rounder (a category that includes a 12 hour event) was Cliff Matthews. At shorter distances Steve Cave took the top awards, Tony Wilkins and Dan Howe featured off-road while Karen Eaton made a clean sweep of the women’s trophies.

Winter or pre-season racing on purpose-built circuits is now getting under way. Tommy Power (Strada Sport) scored his first win of 2017 when he outsprinted Tim Allen (Vision) at Hog Hill on the outskirts of London.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tommy Power (Strada Sport) on his way to winning at Hog Hill on SundayTommy Power (Strada Sport) on his way to winning at Hog Hill on Sunday (Image: Archant)

This Sunday’s reliability trial starts from West Suffolk Wheelers’ HQ in Shakers Lane Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7BH.

Distances are 75, 60 or 36 miles. Registration from 9am. See the club’s website for details.