Mercia Report 06-09-09

David Clarke won the John Hinksman Memorial Road Race held on the Darley Moor Sports Centre promoted by Ashfield Road Club. The race was for Elite, 1st & 2nd category riders over 55 kilometres. He broke away with six other riders, then left them to solo to victory over the last 10 laps. Lewis Cowley (Plan B) finished 5th. In the race for 3rd & 4th category riders Simon Parker did not finish due to another rider running into the back of him, badly buckling his back wheel with only 6 laps to go. The winner was Edward Parker (Sherwood CC). In the Generation Sports & Cycle Series no 14 race held on Upavon Airfield in Wiltshire David Clarke finished 4th. The winner was Ian Rees (Team Type 1).

Manchester Wheelers held a 25 mile time trial on the Blythe Bridge Uttoxeter course. A strong westerly wind meant the riders were doing nearly 40 mph on the outward leg & less than 20 mph on the return, despite this some very good times were recorded. Matt Simons went under the hour in 59 31 & Jack Hugill timed 1 01 07. Plan B's Anne Staley finished in 1 02 38, her fastest 25 mile time this year. The fastest time posted was done by local rider Barry Charlton (Lyme RC) in 51 00.

Considering there was a heavy downpour of rain eleven riders braved the wet conditions to compete in the last 5 mile evening time trial for this year. The fastest time was done by David Clarke in 11 48. Sean Sleigh (Plan B) was a close 2nd in 11 56. 3rd fastest was Daniel Partington (Plan B) 12 37, followed by Christian Aucote (Yeti Factory Racing) 12 46, Keith Staley 13 13, Peter Collins 13 55, Alec Taylor 14 23, Doughy Pratt 14 27, Adrian Waters 15 10, Phil Knott 16 01 & Peter Rose 18 00.