Nicki Hawkes, Fastest lady in the East

Lowestoft cyclist Nicki Hawkes has had a season to remember and the seal was put on this when she was awarded the East Anglian CC “Fastest Lady in the East” trophy.

It is a prestigious and impressive trophy and reflects the stunning season she had, riding for Team VeloVelocity.

Velo Club Baracchi, her second claim club, is glad to welcome club secretary Hawkes back as a first claim rider for the club next year.

One of her aims over the last few years has been to help with the development of women’s cycling but in the matter of riding fast times she also leads by example.

Hawkes’ many good rides this year included a 25.39mph ride over 10 miles for a time of 23:38.

Encouraging more lady riders to take part has always been a tricky objective to achieve, but VCB can offer opportunities for women to take part in the sport, especially as Hawkes is able to offer advice and practical help.

Nicky Hawkes sets off

The club’s website is www.vcbaracchi.co.uk and Hawkes can be contacted through the contact page.

Membership is not just for riding time trials, as the club is open to riders of all kinds, encouraging them to get out on the roads and also compete if they want to. Some of the members intend to return to road racing and the club also offers club runs and help with the sport.

Now that a kit supplier has been chosen for the club’s new kit design, members expect to be able to place orders very soon. It is a great time to join the club and the membership fee has been held at just £12 for next year for senior members, £5 for under-18s and just £16 for a family of two adults and any number of under-18s.

Many VCB members regularly compete in open time trials promoted by other clubs (which have to be entered in advance) and also in club time trials run by other local clubs (which don’t need advance entry).

Membership of a cycling club like VC Baracchi, affiliated to the national bodies, give the right to enter events.  To avoid a clash with other local clubs VCB does not have a club time trial programme but it’s not far to go to enter one!