Outstanding cyclists of all ages have had their achievements acknowledged at an awards evening in Otley.

Otley Cycle Club made more than 60 presentations to members aged from seven to 84 at the event, which was held at the Old Otliensians Rugby Club on Friday, January 24.

Among the winners were:

  • Eighty-year-old Peter Yates, who won the Veterans Best All Rounder Trophy and the joint Club Person of the Year award, for becoming the National 24 Hour Time Trial Champion by cycling 24 hours – and 343 miles – without sleep.
  • Emily Middlebrook, who received a Gold Standard Award for the Under-12s for winning the National Roller Racing Competition at the age of seven
  • Rebecca Sharpe, who won the overall Time Trial Championship women’s award with 40 points accumulated in various competitions, and was the fastest women on the Triangle Circuit.

Many members of the Cullen family — who, between them, collected 18 per cent of all the awards on the night – were also celebrating. James Cullen won the Best All Rounder award, while his brother, Ian, received the Track Championship Plaque. Ian’s son, Tom, was the fastest Otley rider on the Hill Climb Champion with his sister, Megan, who won the National Champion Grass Track Competition, also winning a Gold Standard Award.

Megan collected the 10 Mile (Under-16) Award based on handicap, too, while James Cullen’s daughter, Lucy, won the Bronze Standard for under-12s.

A special award was also presented to the widow of John Robb (received on her behalf by Ken Hodginson), a member who died suddenly in 2013, in recognition of his contribution to the club.

Press secretary Jill Birch said: “It was a fun-filled evening as new and old members got to know each other and had fun selecting raffle prizes from a generous selection of donated items.

“This included a voucher from the Shoulder of Mutton in Kirkby Overblow, where one of our members will now be able to enjoy a delicious meal.

“This year the club took a decision to shop local for the trophy engraving and were delighted with the hard work and service delivery by Shoe Craft in Otley.

“Their careful work ensured all trophies were engraved with the correct names and delivered on time.”

Otley Cycle Club has been running for more than 50 years and has British Cycling qualified riders, Go Ride accreditation, and more than 200 members.