Richard Hancock fastest

The 4th TT of the St Neots Cycling Club series for 2013 saw 27 riders at the start looking to test themselves on the challenging 11.2 mile sportive course at Abbotsley.

Unlike last week, the conditions were very favourable this evening allowing 11 PBs to be set and notable amongst these were Chris Ritchie getting under 28 minutes for the first time and Adrian Taverna breaking the 29 minute barrier. New member, Darren Preston, continues to impress, with all his times this year under 29 minutes.

Dan Baxter, has already taken over two minutes out of his starting time this year, as has Jon Keefe who is clearly making a bid to take the 2013 Handicap Trophy (see below).

Making his debut tonight was Stephen Lyons who managed a very creditable 33.21 on his first venture on the course (although rumour has it he has been doing a few circuits beforehand). It was good to see Steve Pleasance back to form with a seven minute improvement on last week. For some reason as Stephen was waiting to start an ice cream van decided to stop about 25 yards in front,  possibly thinking that there was potential trade to be had from these cyclists and there were some choice Irish expletives from Mr Lyons exhorting the van to move. Many of those waiting to ride were quick to point out that drafting the van was not allowed!

Also out for their first TT’s of this season were Rob Black, Mark Colmer, Andrew Kluth and Daniel King and good to see you all back for another season.

Once again it was Richard Hancock who led the field on the night with a time of 26.20 with Andy Holt as lantern rouge.

N.B. Guest riders and first time riders do not count in the Handicap Trophy , so 24 points available on the night.

Handicap Trophy

Jon Keefe continues to head the field after 4 TTs although with PB’s from Baxter and Taverna, it remains very close and impossible to predict the eventual winner. The chasing pack of Lindsay, Pang, Smith and Smith and Preston are all poised to make an attack on the leaders. Daniel King took the maximum 24 points.