Mercia Report 02-05-08

David Clarke unfortunately finished a lowly seventy second in the East Midlands International Cicle Classic ( England’s version of Paris Roubaix ) The race was over 160 km of lanes & farm tracks in the vicinity of Rutland Water passing through Oakham & finishing in Melton Mowbray. David suffered two punctures. The first one saw a quick wheel change & he was able to catch the leading riders. The second puncture unfortunately happened when the team car was someway behind, so by the time he was on his bike the race leaders were way in front & he never caught them. 200 riders started the race, just like a continental classic. The winner was Irish rider Ciaran Power ( Pezula Racing Team ) last years winner Malcolm Elliot finished 3rd .

The number of riders in the last 10 mile evening time trial were down due to the inclement weather & riders road racing at Mallory Park , Plan B’s. Sean Sleigh was the fastest rider starting last man off at number eight he lapped the entire field to finish first & fastest rider in 23 51. Keith Staley was 2nd in 26 18 & 3rd was Alec Taylor in 27 55. The other riders & times were David Eyre ( Derby Triathlon Club ) 29 52. Adrian Waters 29 54, Mark Eccleston 30 04, Neil Sleigh 32 21( Plan B ) & at one lap Dave Peters 19 11.

In the Notts & East Midlands Veterans 25 mile time trial ( open to all ages ) held on the Etwall Uttoxeter course, Matt Simons finished in 1 00 25 nearly a minute faster than his last ride in the BDCA 25 on the same course. The winner was Charles McCullock ( Shorter / Rochford Racing Team ) in 50 06