Burke rides to back-to-back victories

2:28pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

STEVE Burke showed why he is currently the Wheelers' leading rider with back-to-back victories in the very different disciplines of road racing and time trialling during the week.

On Tuesday night last week in the first of the TLI Cheshire Road Race Series at Lower Withington, Steve simply rode away from the field in the under 50s race. Showing the strength in depth of the Burke family, son Lewis won the juveniles' race.

The Wheelers dominated the other categories with Ralph Walker winning the over 60s race and new member Chris Higgs winning the women's race.

Claire Logan and Ant Lear, both riding their first road race, did well to finish in the bunch.

The following evening Steve won the latest round of the club 10-mile championship, recording 21.59 just ahead of Mike Cummings (22.17), Andy Patterson (22.50), and Roger Wrenn (23.29).

Roger did well to finish at all given that he suffered a nose bleed throughout the event. Jenn O'Connor led home the ladies in 24.36, ahead of Claire Logan (26.10) and Clair Harbottle (38.50). Alex Taylor rode in his first-ever time trial in an excellent 28.36. Other riders were Dave Halsey, Dave Harbottle, Paul Dean, Warren Jackson, Nick Eldred and Moray McNee.

Saturday saw Dave Higham and Carole Sherrin compete in the Glossop Kinder 25-mile time trial at Chelford and both recorded personal bests for the course. In warm but windy conditions, Dave recorded 57.13 to finish just outside the top ten in a top class field and to secure the prize for fastest veteran, 50-59.

Carole finished third in the ladies event, recording 1.12.50. Meanwhile Clair Logan combined a relaxing weekend in the Lake District with some racing, recording 1.08.01 in the Nelson Wheelers 25-mile time trial held on a course between Cockermouth and Keswick.

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