THE mild weather on Christmas Day encouraged a good turnout for the Cleveland Wheelers Cycling Club annual Christmas morning 9-mile time trial, that started and finished at Newton-under-Roseberry.

Although the competition was serious, riders were encouraged to get into the festive mood by wearing tinsel etc.

The eventual winner was Richard Lilleker in a time of 21 minutes 25 seconds, even though he had to dash home again to get his cycling shoes before competing.

Second was Euan Sanderson in a time of 22.39 and third Simon Robinson in 23.42. Bringing up the rear were Daniel Thompson in 35.15 and Ian Holtby in 31.43. Stephen Bailes rode round in 28.50 but his speed was somewhat limited by the amount of tinsel his bike was carrying and David Kirton, the Club secretary, (28:45) was hampered by wearing his Christmas jumper.

At the end of the race, riders enjoyed mulled wine and cake provided by the Club’s veteran member, Bryan Bevis. Proceeds from the race will go to a charity decided upon at the next committee meeting.