Shield of dreams as Berkhamsted Cycling Club retains title

This prestigious accolade is awarded to the club that has the most finishers over a challenging 100km course in winter.

Indeed, the event was postponed in January owing to the snow on the ground and was run finally in March. Even then, the start had to be delayed by 30 minutes to allow ice to thaw on the roads.

The course included many of the key hills in the area – Bison Hill, Aston Hill, Ivinghoe Beacon Durrants Lane.

Club chairman Nick Kurth said: “This was a fantastic effort from club members to win the Shield again and much praise should be given to the club’s Sportive Officer, Neil Barnes, who co-ordinated entries and riders, and encouraged participation.”

The event has been run since 1954 and many prestigious cycling clubs have their names engraved on the Shield as winners.

Now Berkhamsted Cycling Club features twice after the Shield was presented to the club by the town’s Mayor, councillor Tom Ritchie last weekend.

The club welcomes new members and, in the first instance, individuals should contact club secretary Simon Voysey online of via facebook.

The community-based club aims to meet the aspirations of its members and is engaged in social rides, endurance events, racing, time trialing and hill climbs. A number of its members are keen triathletes, with several competing at international level.