This year, we re-launched the tradition of holding the Annual Awards Ceremony separately from the AGM by hosting a more formal dinner at the Church hall, where partners of members would also be welcome.

We organised way too much alcohol (clearly me being half Scottish and half German, I totally overestimated how much people would drink when the chair asked) – and food was provided by the amazing Jane Parker, and what a delight that food turned out to be. With special thanks to Jane Parker Cooking for the food, Welch Bakes for the bread, Shume for the beer Mayor of St Neots, Richard Slade, and guest speaker Simon Warren.

I feel that we also really need to mention here just how much effort the chair put into making this evening happen – think he could have a career in event organising –  and of course a big thank you to everyone who helped, and who made this evening so special (Veri’s very special table cloths and napkins – from her wedding no less –  added a bit of extra as well.

Proceedings were opened with a very moving speech from the Mayor of St Neots, Richard Slade. Thank you so much, Richard.

After the food, Simon Murphy certainly got his steps in walking to and from the stage to collect his many awards – this coming season, we really need some more people out there giving him a run for his money! And the same goes for Dawn… I’m coming for you. But there were more awards to be won this year, with a few reintroductions of former awards, and some brand new ones as well.

We had a great speaker in Simon Warren, thank you to Simon, and to Justin for organising and preparing the interview-style questions – we will do this part of the evening proper justice with a separate report (once the chair is back from his crazy trip).

Winners 2025-26

• Leon Bradfield Shield (the Abbo Handicap Trophy) Simon Murphy with 64 points
• Ashman Handicap Trophy Simon Murphy, 50:33
• Ashman fastest scratch time Shaun Jarvis, 49:55
• Ashman fastest lady: Stassi Bowler 54:01
• Men’s 50 Miles Simon Murphy, 1:48:22
• Men’s 25 Miles  Simon Murphy 53:59
• Men’s 10 Miles Simon Murphy 20:07
• Women’s 50 Miles – n/a
• Women’s 25 Miles Dawn Donaldson 1:09:36
• Women’s 10 Miles Dawn Donaldson 26:11
• Men’s BAR Simon Murphy (I’ll need to calculate the average speed still, apologies)
• 1887 Competitor of the Year Paul Williamson, representing SNCC in 10 open competitions last season
• 1887 Participation Prize mens Geoff Smith
• 1887 Participation Prize women’s Nicky Charlton (whose face was priceless)

Strava Awards 2025-26

Most weeks, having ridden the furthest distance – Justin Lomas (with a crazy total of 13,248 miles, although that is not how that prize is won, it’s still worth mentioning)

• Most longest rides of the week Josh Day
• Most weeks with the most ascent Justin Lomas
• Everesting most ascent points David Thomas. And let’s put this one into perspective – we live in Cambridgeshire, so in order to win this prize, David did 174 ascents of 3 hills, to come to a total of 5352m, which is 2/3rds up Everest by himself, or 1190 double-decker buses
• Also, the everesting sprint points – also David Thomas for riding up the hills the fastest, the most times.
• Everesting sprint points women’s – Tina Dankwart

Committee awards 2025-26

The Meritorious Award this year goes to Stuart Williams for his tireless efforts throughout the off-season, running the Monday evening Strength and Conditioning classes. He’s put us through our paces again and again, and somehow manages to make it fun as well as very effective! Thank you, Stuart. Your efforts are appreciated. As Justin said yesterday, I complained about being in pain on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday… and then I am back again for more next Monday.

The Club Member of the Year Award goes to Simon Winter, who really represents what it is to be a great club member. He started the year supporting JC after his fall, he throws himself into everything the club has to offer with great enthusiasm… You put something new on, Simon Winter will be there to support it. Melton Mowbray ride, he’s there. Off road in Thetford – he’s there. He’s the first to put his name down for the Dales weekend. When Stuart wasn’t available to do the S&C, he enthusiastically took over, and when Stuart is there, he will still be cheerleading us.

And finally, the one you voted for,  The Rider’s Rider Award Thank you to everyone who voted – and the winner is Stephen Ellerbeck

“Stpehen is always there with a smile on his face, happy to chat when riding, making sure all doing ok as well when in a group”