Plenty of mud but Team Jewson are not on the slide

Heavy rain in the preceding days had forced the cancellation of several events across the country.

However, after changing the course three times in the 24 hours running up to the noon start, organiser Mick Ives was able to get the race on, attracting the UK’s best veteran cyclists in the process.

Much of the course was in deep mud, with riders having to dismount for inclines and sliding around on descents, which tested their bike-handling skills to the max.

The race was divided into five age groups, with all the riders starting together.

By the close of the first lap. Kenilworth’s Darren Atkins had opened up a clear lead over Team Jewson team-mate and three-time winner of the race Steve Knight.

Flying over the deep, sticky mud, he also excelled off the bike, with his speed on the road section allowing him to pull away and record his tenth win from 12 this season.

Knight had to settle for second, with Phil Blacker completing the podium and making it a Team Jewson one-two-three.

Knight did have the consolation of winning the 45-49 age group, with Wellesbourne’s Tim Stowe victorious in the 55-59 category.

Marton’s Barrie Mitchell and Ives picked up for seconds in the 60-64 and 70-74 age groups, respectively.