THE 1st Chard Wheelers held their annual awards night and dinner at Horton Village Hall.

A very sociable and fun evening was highlighted by Chris Opie, an Elite professional rider from Cornwall, presenting the trophies.

Opie, who has won many national level races and is also a winner of a stage of the Tour Of Britain, also hosted a lively and entertaining question and answer session.

Under-16 rider Emily Attfield, was awarded the Mayors’ Plate for outstanding achievement.

Emily, who represented the South-West region in both track and road racing, was delighted and typically modest about her award.

A national series win at Castle Combe highlighted her season which was full of success and she topped British Cycling’s national rankings.

Not surprisingly, she also took the Top Ladies Trophy.

Joe West took the Most Improved rider cup after a tremendous year, which saw him develop into a top track and road racer.

His performances have secured him a place on the Olympic development programme.

The Time Trial Best All Rounder competition was won by Dave Moffett, who rode consistently well over 10m, 25m and 50 mile TTs.

The Senior and Junior Presidents’ trophies were awarded by Dave Smith, club president, who also presented honorary life memberships to John Trout and Anthony ‘Nipper’ Ebdon, who have both been club members since its inauguration in the 1950s.

Smith awarded the Senior trophy to Rob Hogg for his high level of success throughout the year.

Hogg was absent on the night as he was collecting another award in Oxford as the Under-17 National Time Trial champion.

Again, not surprisingly, young Hogg took the 10-mile TT league ladder title.

The Junior version went to Rowan Ellis, who has emerged as a leading track rider and is the first South-West rider to win a winter track league title at the Newport velodrome.

Chairman Brandon Ellis also paid tribute to several riders who had outstanding years but just missed out on awards.

The riders included Justin Dance, Oli Cooper, Chris Burrows and Ben Moran who have all done tremendously well.

Ellis said: “This is an indication of how well the club is doing, if this calibre of rider is just missing out.”

The weekend concluded with Opie cycling on the Sunday club ride to Langport.

A large turnout of members enjoyed the ride across Sedgemoor.

For more details of the clubs activities and coaching opportunities ring Brandon Ellis 01460-22147.

Alternatively visit www. 1stchardwheelers.org.uk