ALTON Cycling Club departed from the usual format at their annual dinner and prize-presentation evening, held at Alton Rugby Club.

Instead of each trophy being presented separately, the prize-winners were awarded their cups and shields at the same time.

This made ample time for an inspiring talk by Charlie Mitchell of the a3crg cycling club. Mitchell and another Hampshire rider, renowned ultra cyclist Dominic Irvine, made history in May last year by smashing the non-stop Lands End/John O’Groats tandem record that had stood for nearly 50 years.

Remarkably, the pair carved five hours off the record set in 1966 by Pete Swinden and John Withers, recording a time of 45hrs 11mins 02secs for the 842-mile distance.

Charlie Mitchell gave more than 40 members and guests a fascinating insight into how he as a decent club time-trialling man, never having raced over much more than 50 miles before, transformed himself into a super-fit, fully motivated partner for Dominic Irvine. He described the preparation processes, trials and tribulations of living out this amazing achievement.

At the mass presentation of awards, Rick Froud walked away with a magnificent haul of trophies. Junior member Jack Freeman was not far behind him and Ollie Williams also firmly established his credentials. Newcomer Steve Newton showed application and a steady improvement to carry off the handicap prize. Caroline Brodie was awarded the ‘members’ choice’.

Club chairman Mike Hayward acted as MC and Charlie Mitchell presented the trophies.