Mercia Report 17-08-08

David Clarke's first race since breaking his wrist in the Tour of Bulgaria was the Premier Race the Tour of Pendle held at Nelson in Lancashire. The race was held in pouring rain over 150km. Clarke finished in 35th position 2min 51 seconds behind the winner National Road Race Champion Rob Hayles ( Halfords – Bike Hut)in 3hrs 31 minutes.
Yoxall's Jim Hopper (Derby Mercury) covered 200.8 miles on his tricycle, also in wet conditions, in the West Cheshire & Liverpool Time Trial Cycling Association 12 hour event held between Chester, Whitchurch, Wem & Telford. The winner was former Lands End to John O' groats record holder & the furthest distance covered in a 24 hour event with 525 miles, Andy Wilkinson (Port Sunlight Wheelers) with 283 miles.
The last 10 mile evening time trial for this year attracted 14 riders despite a heavy shower, it was also the last handicap event. The riders & their actual fastest times were as follows: Sean Sleigh (Plan B) 24 02, Daniel Partington (Plan B) 25 48, Richard Knott 26 00, Simon Parker 26 37, Jeff Lea 28 03, Alec Taylor 28 15, Neil Sleigh (Plan B) 28 24, Neil Waters (CC Giro) 28 36, Ben Startin (Burton CTC) 28 45, Mark Eccleston 28 57, Adrian Waters 29 40, Phil Knott 31 44, Peter Rose 32 56 & at 1 lap Dave Peters 18 06.
A much improved ride by Peter Rose saw him first on handicap in 21 26, second was Jeff Lea in 22 15 & third was Adrian Waters in 22 40.