Time trial double-header for RRC

CYCLING DEREK SCHOFIELD TWO cycling time trials organised by the Rossendale Road Club have taken part in this last week.

First up was the annual Whalley – Settle event, 22 miles of rolling road, and it was once again Mark Berry, in his comeback year of competitive cycling, who was the first valley club member home in an impressive 48:29 min.

This was just 30 seconds behind top North West rider and event winner Aidan Holgate of the North Lancs RC.

It will interesting to see just what Berry can produce when he comes back to full form.

Next up was Tony Bowler in 51:00, with Roy Flanagan, beating his club colleague Paul Warrener by a single second, 51:28 to 51:29 – a world cup finish!

Julian Monk completed the RRC riders in 7th spot in a time of 56:43, an excellent time to be under the ‘hour’ for this undulating course.

On Tuesday this week, the action returned to Hapton and Holgate retained his winning sequence with another victory in an impressive time of 24:08 for the 10 mile circuit in blustery winds.

This follows his excellent time of 3:57 for a 100 mile TT the previous weekend.

Tony Bowler continued his excellent improvement following his return from sojourn in New Zealand to finish 2nd in 26:22 with Paul Warrener 3rd in 27:27.

The racing is at Hapton again next Tuesday, with all welcome to have a go at time trialling.

Specialist bikes are not necessary and this is an excellent way to set a time and establish a target. Sign on from 6:30 at the Hapton Inn. ●● Simon Kenyon with Ramsbottom chairman Harry Williams