Mercia Report 06-07-08

After attempts to breakaway with Yoxall rider Dan Fleeman, David Clarke had to settle for forty second place in the main field in the National Road Race Championships held at Amlpeforth in North Yorkshire over 200km. The winner was Rob Hayles (Halfords Bike Hut).

The previous weekend in Wales he finished 20th in the Abergavenny Grand Prix over 103 miles. Unfortunately he suffered a puncture which spoilt his chances of a top placing when he punctured on the steep Tumble climb. The winner was the in form Russell Downing(Pinarello Racing Team)

Gary Brown timed 24 48 to finish in 15th place in the Leamington Cycling & Athletic Club's 10 mile time trial held on the Fosse Way at Offchurch in Warwickshire. There were 60 competitors in the race. Neil Coventry(Agiskoviner.com was the winner in 21 55.

In the last of three races held at Curborough on the sprint circuit, organised by the Lichfield City Cycling Club, two of the Waters brothers competed in the races for the under ten years old over 2 km. Joshua finished 5th in the time trial & 3rd in the road race in both events. It was very close sprint finish in the road races with Stephan Tomes (CC Giro) coming first. In the races for the under eights Elliott was 6th in the time trial & 5th in the road race also over 2 km.

The Mercia HBM's latest evening club time trial saw Plan B's Sean Sleigh record the fastest time in 23 57. Mercia's Steve Plummer was second fastest, only 10 seconds slower in 24 07. Then followed Steve Herriman(Plan B) in 25 01 & then Daniel Partington(Plan B) 25 31.The rest of the times were as follows; Simon Parker 25 51, Phi Jones 26 44, Jeff Lea 27 24, Neil Sleigh (Plan B) 27 55, Mark Eccleston 27 59, Andrew Wendle 28 17, Nick Marriott 29 03, Adrian Waters 29 22, Phil Knott 30 41,& at one lap Pete Rose 17 47.