TWO York cyclists received awards this week when the first annual presentations were made to North Yorkshire riders at the Anchor Inn, Whixley.

Nigel Goscinski, of Strensall, won the top award, the Fazer Trophy, as Fazer (Europe) Cycle Racing League champion.

His Velo Club York/Tony Boswell Cycles colleague Paul Scott, of Osbaldwick, was first to get his name on the new trophy awarded to the winner of the TLI (Yorkshire) Road Race League the inaugural season of which was last year.

Goscinski received his trophy from Malcolm Illingworth, chairman of Leeds-based golf equipment manufacturers US Brands, who took over sponsorship of the league series after original sponsors Harris Bacon dropped out.

The Strensall competitor won 12 of the 23 races in the programme and scored the maximum 450 points. The runner-up, with 438 points, was last year's champion Mike Youngson (Knaresborough CC). Matthew Miller (University of York CC) was third with 403 points from his nine qualifying rides.

Goscinski also received the trophy for winning the TLI SPOCO Time Trial Series.

The TLI (Yorkshire) Road Race League which Scott won took place on Thursday evenings last year but will switch to Tuesdays this year.

Events were held on quiet country roads with the average race distance being about 28 miles. The league was on a handicap basis, allowing lesser riders including juniors, veterans and women to compete on equal terms.

Despite being relegated to the scratch group each week virtually from the first race Scott was a driving force and largely due to his efforts the scratch group often caught the early starters near the finish line.

Terry Knott (Knaresborough Racing Team/Tilcon/Dunlopillo) of Bishopthorpe was runner-up in the league and highest placed veteran. His clubmate John Clarke, of York, was third.

Richard Heath of Tockwith was among 83 riders who qualified for certificates in Harrogate Nova CC's annual open 50-mile reliability trial from Rigton railway crossing. Heath, the 17-year-old former Yorkshire junior 25-mile champion, rides for Knaresborough RT. His clubmates Chris Mawer (Ripon) and Harrogate policeman Steven Smales also qualified.

The route they covered included Wetherby, Boroughbridge, Ripon and Fountains Abbey and finished at Fewston village, near Otley.

It was the first in a series of five similar reliability trials in the next few weeks, part of the Ron's Reliable Five' competition in which riders completing the lot will receive Ron Kitching commemorative medals.

A total of 15 riders completed the 30-mile trial which was held at the same time as the 50-mile event.

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