A RECORD-BREAKING Otley cyclist has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.

Ninety two year old Philip Whitehead is the same age as Otley Cycle Club - which he has been a member of for 76 years.

Mr Whitehead broke most of the club records*, including the 12 hour time trial with a distance of 251.495 miles, in 1956.

Although Mr Whitehead was unable to attend himself, his Lifetime Achievement award was presented at Otley Cycle Club’s recent annual Awards Dinner.

The event also saw trophies handed out to dozens of other club members, of all ages, in recognition of their cycling achievements of the last 12 months. The awards were presented at Otley Golf Club and more than 100 members enjoyed the evening.

The Master of Ceremonies was Club President Liz Hills who, reflecting on a successful past year, said: “We now have more than 500 members and we have been voted Cycling Weekly Club of the Year.

“And the world has recognised that Yorkshire is the place to be, with the UCI World Championships taking place in September.”

Other winners on the night included Claire Jessop, who won the Women’s BAR Trophy, Veterans BAR Trophy, 30 Mile Time Trial Championship Women (Howcroft Cup), Lizzie Armitstead Time Trial Championship Women, and 50 Mile Time Trial Championship Women (Golden Jubilee).

Sam Ward, meanwhile, won the Hilly 14 Mile Time Trial Championship, 25 Mile Time Trial Championship (Dave Booth Trophy), Hillclimb Championship Tankard, and Triangle Fastest Man Gold Medal.

Megan Cullen was another of a number of multiple-award winners, winning the PH-MAS Cycling 10 Mile TT, Hilly 14 Mile Time Trial Women, and Road & Circuit Race Champion - Female Over 16 (Trophy de la Vitesse).

And Helen Goldthorpe received awards for the Joyce Webb 10 Mile TT Championship Women, Beryl Burton 25 Mile TT Championship Women, and Triangle Fastest Woman Gold Medal.

The club would like to thank member Colin Charlesworth for taking photographs at the awards evening. For a full list of winners see the online version of this story at www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk .

*Mr Whitehead had also averaged speeds in excess of 22mph over distances of 25, 50 and 100 miles on a traditional steel bike.