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distance future. I am aware of a number of others challenge - the hill climb trophy. After missing out
of our cycling fraternity (members and non- last year, Ian Hutchinson returned this year to
members) who are currently experiencing health regain the crown he has won now on a number of
issues with all our best wishes going out to them for occasions.
a speedy recovery.
Locally within the Group, with all the claims for
2019 Remaining Group Events & Competitions standards and the competitions being received it is
noticeable that only 11 members who paid for their
With the group’s cycling season and competitions
having now reached their conclusion, it is time to standards in 2019 managed to achieve at least one
look at honouring those amongst us who have had a of them. This is a slight drop in previous years. A
successful season. Highlights from 2019, saw the number of 15 mile group age records were achieved
group host the VTTA National 15 mile by Colin Knapp on solo bicycle, trike and tandem
Championship on a new Catterick course adjacent (with Ruth Crossley) and tandem trike (again with
to the A1M in North Yorkshire. Many will remember Ruth Crossley).
these roads from the past as being some of the The group competition winners are as follows:
fastest in the country (several CTT competition Best All Rounder: won by Gary Hunt (age 56) with a
records set at 25, 50 & 100 miles). With the event plus of 1:15:59.
now being run on a single carriageway, persistent
winner, Ron Hallam was successful in adding 2 nd – Phil Kennell (age 52) with a plus of 1:08:59
another championship to his palmares with a plus of Team: Hartlepool CC (Phil Wright & Gary Hunt) with
10:22. Stephen Ayres was the fastest overall with a a plus of 1:41:57
time of 31:10. The full report and result is reported
elsewhere. Local success was recorded in the Three Distance BAR: won by Gary Hunt with a plus
event by the North Group with Keith Murray making of 47:07
the podium with a third both on standard and actual. 2 nd - Phil Kennell with a plus of 45:08
The North Group also celebrated with an overall Short Distance Competition: won by Russell
best on standard group team award as well as also Richardson (age 62) with a plus of 44:35
providing the best on standard club team award with
GS Metro. Thanks go out to all the group’s 2 nd – Howard Heighton (age 46) with a plus of 17:42
members and friends who provided support in Group Points Competition: Gary Hunt retained his
ensuring that this event was a success. Thanks standard category title, with Richie Grant winning in
also goes out to the riders who made the effort to the actual time category and Gray Walker meeting
support this VTTA National Championship. with success in the handicap category. Hartlepool
The 2019 Nouveau Trophy, awarded each year to CC were again the winners of the team award, with
the best on standard in the Sunderland Clarion Gary, Richie, supported by Phil Wright.
event went this year to Nev Martin, an award he has Annual Group Luncheon
won on a number of previous occasions.
All the above awards, together with a number of
Finishing off the time trialling season, Hartlepool CC other trophies, shields and standard medals will be
in association with VTTA (North Group) ran a 10 available for presentation at the North Group
mile event on Saturday 31 August 2019. This, luncheon, organized by Ruth Crossley and to be
following discussion with the relevant affected clubs, held on 5 th January 2020 at Hardwick Hall Hotel.
police and the Teesside District Committee, being Commencing at 12 noon, the 4 course luncheon is
the last event to be held on this course (both for the ideal time to come and socialize whilst also
open and club events), following the horrendous receiving your awards and be recognized for your
accident earlier in the season to a young rider. 2019 achievement(s). The guest of honour this year
Winner this time was Russ Richardson with a plus is Don Urwin of Cleveland Coureurs, who for
of 5:53 (actual 21:59). Fastest overall was Keith decades has supported the group, in both a
Murray with a time of 20:46. The full result was timekeeping and handicapping capacity. Ruth will
published on the CTT website. be contacting members and friends with copies of
The last North group championship to be competed the booking/menu. Otherwise, copies of the menu
for in 2019 is for those soles who like a vertical and booking form are available from Ms Ruth

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