New Years Day 5 mile TT - 2012           

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.

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.
Psn Name Club Time
1 Jonny Croston Calder Clarion 15.51
2 Martin Price Calder Clarion 16.07
3 Michael Vennard Calder Clarion 16.39
4 Andrew Spittlehouse Calder Clarion 17.55
5 Alan Jones Yorkshire Road Club 17.59
6 Tom Butler Calder Clarion 18.13
7 Paul Heggie Birdwell Wheelers 18.16
8 Kevin Watson Calder Clarion 18.26
9 Scott Kelly Calder Clarion 18.29
10 Tony Anderson Calder Clarion 19.37
11 Helen Mann Calder Clarion 20.56
12 Leanne O'Leary LBT 22.24
13 George Masson Calder Clarion 22.54
14 Mark Oldfield Calder Clarion 24.57
15 Stuart & Elaine Hinde Wakefield Tri DNS
Martin Price, Jonny Croston and Tom McGhie in the Cricketers New Years Day 2012 (Photo George Masson)
Steve Burton, Tom Butler and Michael Vennard in the Cricketers New Years Day 2012 (Photo George Masson)
George Masson and Jimmy Blankley in the Cricketers New Years Day 2012
Breakfast at the Gillilands (Photo Tom McGhie)

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