News: Blaydon CC Charity TT

The lanes around the Northumberland village of Stamfordham were the scene for a festive off-season time trial organised by Blaydon Cycling Club.

News: Blaydon CC Charity TT

Sunday 18th December

The lanes around the Northumberland village of Stamfordham were the scene for a festive off-season time trial organised by Blaydon Cycling Club.

The event, which took place on Sunday 18th December, was held to raise money for Nicole Rich who, at the age of 4 years old, was diagnosed with Batten Disease – an extremely rare, fatal neurodegenerative condition for which there is currently no cure.

Out of an original field of 67 riders, 54 took part on the day. Some of the regionâ€™s top competitors were in evidence, using the event as a good opportunity for a training ride, but the day was very much about a fun atmosphere and raising money for Nicole.

The official results were Danny Grieves of GS Metro who finished first in a time of 28m58s, with Harry Walker (Team Swift) second in 30m37s and Ian Norris (Blumilk.com) third in 32m31s. Miriam Jessett of Tyneside Vagabonds was the fastest lady, in a time of 34m51s.

Fancy dress prizes were awarded to Seb Stockbridge (Blaydon CC) who was dressed as Freddie Mercury, with a bike which played â€œWe are the championsâ€ as he cycled – and he skilfully carried a microphone and stand around the whole of the course! Adam Jarps of Manilla Cycling received a prize for his Grinch outfit and George Russell (Blaydon) impersonated George from Rainbow.

There was also an unusual range of bikes for a time trial, with competitors turning up on everything from aero machines to mountain bikes. Three tandems took part, the funniest being Michael Todd (Derwentside CC) who had a 1.2m illuminated Christmas tree on the back of his â€“ apparently, it was a bit lively to handle on a section of the course which had a strong tail wind!

Cyclists from across the region who were not entered for the TT rode out to show their support for Blaydonâ€™s event, and the Rich family, giving very generously on the day. The owners of the Swinburne Arms in Stamfordham gave the pub over free of charge in support of the event.

Matt Rich (Nicoleâ€™s dad) got the race underway as rider No.1 â€“ his wife and family were there to cheer him on â€“ and Matt gave a touching speech at the close of the event, thanking everyone for their support. Tragically, the family found out just a short time ago that their youngest daughter also has Batten Disease.