Fox navigated roads and roundabouts

Fenland Clarion hosted the sixth and penultimate round of the Northants time trial series at the weekend on the Sawtry based N1/10 course.

With seven roundabouts for riders to navigate the course isn’t renowned for fast times, however Northampton rider George Fox winning by over a minute in 19:39 was still a highly impressive performance.

Local riders also showed there is plenty of stiff competition in the area with Peterborough CC rider Paul Pardoe taking second place in an excellent 20:56, while triathlete Paul Lunn led the way for the host club with his time of 21:24 ahead of Simon Pitchford in 22:17, Matthew Lay 22:55, Phil Merritt 24:01, Steve Skelhon 24:06, Karl Grundy 24:21 and James Warrener 24:47.

Fenland did provide the winner of the ladies race with Lindsay Clarke once again leading the way in 25:01, with Tonya Smith in third place with 25:23, and Annette Wyld their next rider home in 30:08 ahead of Lynn Smitheringale in 32:07.

Fenland’s youth riders are also still racing with Theo Wan at Mallory Park for their hilly crit. Theo didn’t get the best start off the line, but soon got to the front bunch before getting caught behind a crash.

The winner got through before the crash, while Theo stayed with the chasing group for the whole race but he was eventually beaten for second place in a photo finish. This leaves Theo in third place in the league.

Mylo Wan also raced in the under 8s category, and he came away with fifth place and his first two league points.

On Wednesday, July 21 Fenland are holding a ‘come & try it’ event at Helpston to introduce newcomers to the sport.

It’s a 7pm start and costs just £5 to enter. Any roadworthy bike is suitable, and riders must be a minimum 12 years of age on the day with parental consent required for under 18s.

Visit www.fenlandclarion.co.uk or e-mail publicity@fenlandclarion.co.uk for full details.