Wind cutting across the Fens was the biggest of several challenges that fully justified the 'Hardriders' title for the Ely & District CCs winter classic time trial.
Gusts up to 30mph demanded concentration and bike handling skills of a high order, as riders steered around potholes, hard-packed mud and agricultural vehicles on the Little Downham-based course.
Nevertheless men's winner John Mulvey of Cambridge University CC covered the 25 miles in 57:13 while international triathlete Lucy Charles was fastest woman in 1:05:43.
Mark Williams (RAFCA, 59:42) was top Veteran (plus 6:57) with King's Lynn rider David Procter (1:03:44) beating his standard as a 55-year-old by 5:21 for second Vets award.
Other highly placed Norfolk competitors included Phil Watkins (North Norfolk Wheelers) 1:07:13, Geoff Frost (VeloVelocity) 1:07:21, and 1:08:14 from North Walsham rider John Swindells (Iceni Velo) which won him the prize for best on a road bike.
Push Sport attracted an increased entry for the third and final round of their entry-level MTB races at Kentford – including 17 finishers in the Under 12s race.
Plans for a new event on the Lotus test track at Hethel have been announced.
It will be a full day on Saturday, March 17 with racing for all categories, ranging from under-eight girls and boys up to elite category.
With room for 100 riders in most races the senior events will be a much needed opportunity for new competitors to get bunched racing experience at a time when entries to established events are increasingly oversubscribed.
Entries – via the British Cycling website – are already open. It is emphasised that no entries will be taken on the day.
Organiser Ken Jolliffe said: 'Should Saturday, March 17 be successful, another similar event will be organised on Saturday, August 18, provided it fits in with a day free from use by Lotus Cars Ltd.'
The Lotus Evening League, now in its 13th year, will commence on Tuesday, May 1.
The funeral of Jack Webster whose death was reported in last week's column, will be tomorrow, Thursday, February 15, 12.30pm at St Faith's Crematorium.
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