A team of Stevenage cyclists has come second in Cycling UK’s last ever national Tourist Competition.

The Comet: Penny Schenkel and Jason Morris with the Stevenage group of Cycling UK at Fairland Valley Park. Picture: DANNY LOOPenny Schenkel and Jason Morris with the Stevenage group of Cycling UK at Fairland Valley Park. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Since 1981, members of Cycling UK have been touring the country and competing against fellow members for the highest number of points in organised rides.

The Tourist Competition ran for eight months of the year and included endurance rides at distances from 50km to 400km, as well as pace judging, map reading, hill climbs, free wheeling, treasure hunts and off-road events.

Cycling UK Stevenage came second in 2018, behind Chester and North Wales.

Due to waning popularity and changes at the organisation, the Tourist Competition will not continue as a national competition.

The Comet: Sophia Morris (cente). Picture: ZANDER BROWNSophia Morris (cente). Picture: ZANDER BROWN (Image: Archant)

Cycling UK Stevenage has 435 members and organises at least three cycle rides from Stevenage every week, catering for different abilities. For more, visit stevenagectc.org.uk.

The Comet: Cycling UK women winners Pauline Brennan Lynn Bonnici Nicola Morris Sophia Morris Penny Schenkel Zoe Nuttall Melody Brown (MC) Jackie Cooper. Picture: ZANDER BROWNCycling UK women winners Pauline Brennan Lynn Bonnici Nicola Morris Sophia Morris Penny Schenkel Zoe Nuttall Melody Brown (MC) Jackie Cooper. Picture: ZANDER BROWN (Image: Archant)