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| Martin Price, Jonny Croston and Tom McGhie in the Cricketers New Years Day 2012 (Photo George Masson) |
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| Steve Burton, Tom Butler and Michael Vennard in the Cricketers New Years Day 2012 (Photo George Masson) |
New Year’s Day wasn’t a good day for Father and Mother Christmas when the rumour of their arrival at the start of the Calder 5 mile Time trial failed to materialise as the minutes ticked down for George Masson to start, as first man off, in the Calder Clarion 5 mile TT at 10 am. At the very last moment the festive pair (Elaine and Stuart Hinde) appeared with suitably rose cheeked glow and a fresh inner tube in pace. Unfortunately they were unable to spread good cheer around the course as a fresh puncture prevented their start and as they attended to the upturned stricken tandem, a passing gypsy stopped and offered to take it off their hands.
Meanwhile the race was underway with the field having to contend with a strong westerly that made the return leg hard going. First back was Helen Mann in her first ever cycle event, having made the transition from running. Her 20.56 turned out to be the fastest woman’s time of the day.
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| Breakfast at Gillilands |
Another first time rider, Tony Anderson held the lead briefly until Kevin Watson , Paul Heggie (Birdwell
Wheelers) and Alan Jones(Yorkshire Road Club) all took the lead in turn as they finished with Alan the first inside 18 minutes for the hilly course. When Michael Vennad crossed the line, he set a potentially event winning target of 16.39, but last years winner Martin Price, fresh from his epic fund raising 100 mile plus ride which included 10 ascents of Winnats Pass, took 27 seconds off Michael’s time and looked to have won it again. That was until last man off, the unfancied Jonny Croston sprinted in with 15.51 to win the event with 16 seconds to spare.
Afterwards, competitiors, officials and helpers made their way to George and Leslie Gillilland’s in Crigglestone for an excellent new year breakfast. For those with any remaining stamina, there was a lunchtime get together at the Cricketers on Cluntergate in Horbury.
Full Race Result
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| George Masson and Jimmy Blankley at the Cricketers |