News & Features

Dr Alan Sharpen, a pharmacist by trade, was late getting into cycling and time trialling, only taking up the sport when he retired in his early 60’s joining Sotonia CC, where he is currently one of the four Vice-Presidents. He quickly got into his stride in races, recording some very respectable times including a 2-01 ‘50’ at the age of 62.

Latterly Alan took up timekeeping and event organisation for his club and became a stalwart of the CTT South District Committee performing the roles of Secretary and currently Treasurer for over 20 years. Alan has also been a frequent delegate to CTT National Council where he was equally happy to present a motion or make valuable contributions on behalf of South District.

Whilst no longer competing, Alan still tries to do a little riding, meeting clubmates and friends for lunch regularly, and it was on one of these occasions recently that it was decided to present Alan with his gold Badge of Honour for his outstanding work on behalf of CTT.

Alan was surprised in true ‘This is your life’ style by CTT Board Member Roger Wakeling and current South DC Secretary Kathleen Collard-Berry, who presented a clearly touched Alan with his award.

I am sure everyone would like to congratulate Alan and thank him for all he has done for the sport over many years.

 Julian Gee | Sotonia CC | March 2023

YouTube footage of the presentation: https://youtu.be/lSIjPt-BIxo

Alan Sharpen: Gold Badge Presentation.

Alan Sharpen was presented with the RTTC Gold Badge at a regular midweek luncheon attended by his Sotonia club mates (of a certain age) on Wednesday 1st March.

Alan was presented his badge by Kathleen Collard-Berry (South District Secretary) & Roger Wakeling (CTT Board Director).  We have to report that no peas were spilt or chips stolen during the presentation.

 The award to Alan is timely as he is stepping down from his District Treasurers role this month, a position he has held for at least 25 years.  During that time he has been a regular delegate at CTT National Council & the Districts “member” of CTT.  Always a keen time trialist Alan was still doing at least a dozen open events in 2012 in his early 70’s.  Alan has also met many cyclists in his role as a timekeeper & has been the start timekeeper at the Closed Circuit Championship at Thruxton since its inception.  Alan may have stepped down from his “official roles” on the District Committee but will be staying on as his wealth of knowledge is invaluable and he has a “gift” for getting “things”, correctly worded.

 dcb