It was a fair cop when a team of police cyclists got on their bikes to take part in Spalding Velo Prix races.
A Blue Light Challenge in the Market Place on Sunday saw the neighbourhood policing team in hot pursuit of the older youth members of event organisers Spalding Cycling Club wearing robbers’ costumes.
Police riders, including Community Inspector Jo Reeves, had been totally unaware of the team’s plan, providing an amusing interlude for the Italian Pursuit races between West Pinchbeck St Bartholomew’s CE Primary, Gosberton Clough and Risegate, Weston Hills C of E Primary and Spalding Primary schools and the interclub races.
Insp Reeves said: “The Neighbourhood Policing Team really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the event and engage with the community in this way. A good day was had by all involved, despite the weather and we are pleased to say that in our race the cops caught the robbers (as you would hope!)”
The events - sponsored by Broadgate Homes – marked day two of the town’s new cycling festival.
On Saturday, 30 young riders took part in ‘Go Race’ on Monks House Lane playing field, sponsored by Gibbons Cycles, with Lincolnshire County Council Bikeability Team providing the fun. Then families took to the pretty countryside around Spalding for guided five, 10 and 16-mile rides, visiting church flower festivals at Surfleet and Pinchbeck for tea and cake.
The event’s tribute to the area’s bulb traditions continued with tulips presented to race winners, provided by Fusion Aluminium Welding.