Cycling: Mixed fortunes for East Lancs riders

The East Lancs annual Spring Road Race last weekend saw mixed fortunes for club riders in glorious in the Forest of Bowland. 

The race was held on the long Bashall Eaves course, which is a challenging 11-mile circuit starting at Bashall Eaves before climbing to Cow Ark then taking a rapid descent towards Chipping, over the Doeford Bridge, and returning through Chaigley over the Hodder Bridge to finish at Bashall.

The East Lancs team included seniors Chris Green, Matt Jackson, Paul Ashworth, Alex Wiseman, and junior riders Jack Millar, Joe Cooke and Oliver Bentley.

The pace on the first lap of the five lap race was frantic from the off and it resulted in the bunch being broken up on the first climb of the day to Cow Ark. 

As a consequence, the East Lancs riders had mixed fortunes with Millar, Wiseman and Cooke having a variety of mishaps and not finishing, however the remaining four riders all completed the 55 mile race.

Chris Green was the club's highest placed rider claiming eighth and highest place second category rider.

Matt Jackson in 11th whilst winning the second lap prime.

Oliver Bentley was 31st and winner of the highest place fourth category rider.

Paul Ashworth, who rode around with his brother, rolled in 37th out of the field of 60 riders.

The race was won by Hadyn Allen riding for THRE Datawolves RT who solo rode to victory on the last lap for a fine win. 

On Saturday the Racing Chance Foundation organised their 25-mile time trial on the J2/9 course in Cheshire.

 The weather conditions were excellent, and three East Lancs riders took part with each of them recording their personal best performances on the course. 

Times recorded

Roy Nield - 59:22mins
Karen Bailey - 1hr:08:45mins
David Ireland -1hr:03:16 mins.

A club spokesperson said: "It’s always a fantastic achievement when personal best times are broken so well done all three riders."