Saturday 9 February 2013

And the Winner is …


“There is only one clear winner for this award where many of us would struggle even to complete a third of what he has done.” announced the chairman, Adrian Webb, to Redhill Cycling Club.

The awards ceremony had gone up a notch from an informal gathering to a smart dinner with a World Class Mountain Bike racer and potential Paralympic athlete presenting the prizes. 

The award of “Peter’s Golden Bicycle” relates back to when Peter King was part of the Redhill Cycling Club.  Peter went on to become the Chief Executive of British Cycling who was at the helm for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  His achievement was rewarded with a CBE in 2009.
Peters Golden Bicycle
Peter's Golden Bicycle

Each year Peter’s Golden Bicycle is awarded to the club member who has excelled themselves on an endurance event.

“The winner of this award” continued Adrian “is someone who managed to cycle 300 miles and climb 36,000 feet in a time of 37 hours.”

I felt slightly embarrassed being talked about in such a prestigious way surrounded by 80 club athletes.

“For achieving the South Downs Triple, the Winner is … Richard Sterry”

Receiving Peter's Golden Bicycle from Anne Dickins
Photo thanks to Frank Grainger
Making my way up to the front of the room amongst a hearty applause I received the prize from good friend Anne Dickins.  Anne played a major part in the support for my ride and has since been selected for the Paralympic squad for Rio 2016.  It was very fitting that Anne was able to present me with this award.