Colin Knapp of Middridge Cycle Club has gained an unprecedented 19 standard times just a few weeks after reaching the age of 40 to become a veteran rider for the first time.

After his 40th birthday in mid-July, Knapp travelled all over the country to ride in as many qualifying events as possible before the deadline at the end of October.

By then he had beaten the national standards for 40-year-old cyclists for all distances from ten to 100-miles for solo cycle, tricycle and tandems, plus the 24-hour cycle ride.

Fellow veteran cyclists have agreed to nominate Knapp for a national merit award along with 72-year-old Les Dawson of Tees TC for his achievement in winning four national veterans championships over distances of ten to 50-miles.

Dawson has been re-elected as chairman of the North Group Veterans Time Trial Association. Secretary Eric Pengilley told the group's annual meeting at Sedgefield on Sunday that membership had increased to 240. It was agreed to raise membership fees by £1 to £6 for individuals and £7.50 for couples.

Officials elected; S Hutchinson (president), W Clayton, A Palmer, G W Morgan (vice-presidents), G L Dawson (chairman), G W Hugill (deputy chairman), E Pengilley (secretary/treasurer), G L Clayton (social secretary), W Clayton (press secretary), M Dawson (time trial co-ordiantor). E Dodds (auditor). Committee: K Pickles, R Luckett, W Clayton, J Athey, R Mosley, S Hutchinson.