Karl Turner, left, with Southport Cycling Club's track secretary, Colin Baldwin
SOUTHPORT Cycling Club’s track champion’s trophy for the 2007 season was finally presented last Monday to Karl Turner after an evening’s competition on the boards at the Manchester Velodrome, writes Paul Mayor.
Manchester Velodrome - home of British Cycling
Karl put on a display of strong riding for which he is well suited, particularly in the 12 lap scratch race which decided the destination of the trophy.
It was hoped that the trophy could be presented at the recent 75th anniversary dinner in November, but hire of the Velodrome could not be secured until December.
Almost 30 of the club’s riders from juniors to veterans, including a few first timers, took part in a variety of races on the night, experiencing the thrill and excitement of riding on the high speed 45° banked wooden surfaced track which will host the UCI world track championships in March 2008.
Organised by club track secretary Colin Baldwin, the two hour session was well supported and enjoyed by all the riders and most encouragingly was completed without incident. Photos of the evening can be seen on the club’s website www.southportcc.co.uk
Southport's riders, together with a few members from Wigan Wheelers, enjoyed a two hour session on the track at Manchester Velodrome
Southport's final event of the 2007 calendar takes place on Boxing Day, when the club holds its final time trial of the season. The event traditionally was a 10-mile time trial held on the club’s local course near Tarleton and was quite keenly contested.
But in recent years, it has become just a bit of an end of season fun ride held over a distance of about five miles on the coast road between Victoria Park and Pontins’ roundabout at Ainsdale.
The event will start a 11.00hrs, riders wishing to take part should meet at the clubroom, Victoria Park, 10.30hrs. Since it's Christmas, there will be no entry fee so no excuses.
Despite the recent cold snap the clubrun was well supported last Sunday, with almost a dozen riders making the trip to Scorton via the usual route through Preston, Woodplumpton and Barnacre.
Although temperatures rose little throughout the ride, the roads thankfully remained ice free and a ride of between 70 and 80 miles at this time of year has to be a bonus.
The weekend club runs will depart as usual from the Plough bus stop, Preston New Road. The Saturday run leaves at 9.30hrs. The Sunday run leaves at 9.00hrs.
Next week there will be no Tuesday or Wednesday runs due to the Christmas break, but the Thursday and Friday rides are still scheduled and will depart at 9.30hrs.
The Saturday and weekday runs are covered at a more comfortable pace, so if you’re new to cycling these runs are the way to start and a good way to work off some of the inevitable Christmas excess.
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