Time trial riders came out of their winter hibernation for the annual Manchester and District TTA 10-mile time trial near Goostrey in Cheshire on Sunday morning, with prizes all round in a host of categories.

Kamil Waligora (360cycling) clocked 22-04 to finish as fastest in the open category and Vicky Henstridge of Ruthin Cycling Club was quickest female in 28-11, but it wasn’t all about the fastest riders.

Many chose to wear fancy dress, and the flying dinosaur costume worn by Scott Burns (Cycle-space CC) was picked out as the most impressive.

East Lancashire RC’s Liam Hewitt clocked 22-10 for the best junior and second overall, while Steven Fidler (Velo6 Racing) was another 20 seconds back in third overall.

“The conditions were surprisingly good on the day and the ride went pretty well despite having some mechanical issues with my handlebars due to hitting potholes,” explained fastest rider Kamil Waligora.

“I was a bit frustrated with it but this feeling quickly went away when I've seen my result with a winning time. This was totally unexpected, but I'm very pleased with it. It has also earned me an invitation to the M&DTTA annual dinner!

“The winter training is going very well so far with good volumes behind it and with 360 cycling we have plenty of opportunities to train outdoors and indoors including the use of the Tameside Circuit and the Velodrome. This definitely helps putting the miles in and the intensity.

“Plans for next season are to improve on the past season and hopefully go for the magic sub-19 min ten-mile time - this will probably be my main target. I'm looking forward to the new season already!”

In other categories Richard Shaw (Seamons CC) clocked 23-35 for a veterans age adjusted time of 22-19 which was best on the day, while the tandem prize went to Buxton CC-Sett Valley Cycles duo Sam and George Clark in 32-08.

Back at headquarters after the event there was a surprise for Ian and Mavis Ross who had been timekeeping the event, who received the RTTC Gold Badge of Honour from CTT board member Tim Smith.

The pair have administered and ridden in the sport for over 60 years and hold ten competition records on the tandem as well as Mavis holding ladies team records. Congratulations, and thanks!

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