AGM and Awards Night
On Friday, the newly named Rossendale Cycling Club held their Annual General Meeting and Trophy presentation evening at Marl Pits Sports Club.
The name has been changed to Cycling Club to truly represent the club’s activities across all disciplines of cycling – on and off road, competitive and social in an effort to attract more riders, and potential riders, to the benefits of being a club member. This includes affiliation to cycling’s governing bodies, personal and third party insurance, tips on bike maintenance, clothing etc., and the opportunity to learn new local riding routes, both on and off road.
Weekend rides are now in progress and lighter nights will bring on mid-week evening rides as the weather improves.
The trophies were presented by ‘Mr Cycling of Rossendale’ John Leach, who is determined to race again in 2025 as he approaches his 80th birthday, a true inspiration to all those who may be considering competition. The new for 2024 course for the evening TT Harry Law series benefited Helen Thomas the most as she deservedly took the overall trophy for first road bike and first lady and 3rd overall for TT bikes. Helen was also 3rd in the E.Sutton trophy challenge for best RCC member in the Lakes and Lancs Spoco series. Derek Schofield took the overall win, with Mick Taylor runner-up and Adrian Watts 3rd.
James Eastwood took the Harry Law series win on TT bikes with an impressive run of 6 clear victories.
Luke Dabbs proved to be the best hill climber on Deerplay, though he was pipped at the post by new member Daniel Herterick for the Crown Point event.
With the growing interest in closed road criterium racing, Mark Berry came out top club member in the British Cycling series, gaining promotion to Category One status, the first within Rossendale for many years, which is a tremendous achievement.
Arguably, the most prestigious trophy is the David Cross shield for clubman of the year, as voted by members at the AGM. And for 2024 this was presented to Paul Warrener, now on his way back to fitness after illness and, in the meantime, responsible for organising the club’s time trials throughout the year.
The next major club event is the Bolton by Bowland time trial at 2pm on Saturday 22nd February and everyone is welcome to come along, where a welcome brew will be available in the village hall.
Photos:
Mark Berry, leading road racer
Helen Thomas, leading lady and all-rounder
Paul Warrener, clubman of the year, with John Leach
