ONLY four weeks ago Burnley’s Steve Irwin updated the North Lancs Road Club 25-mile record and on Saturday he reset that mark and took it over the 30mph barrier, writes DAVE BROWN.

Irwin was fourth in the event near Derby with an excellent 49 minutes 44 seconds ride, while Pendle Forest’s Richard Bideau clocked 49-55 for fifth but was short of his own club record that he set last year.

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The Veteran’s 15-mile event near Garstang welcomed all ages of riders, with eight of British Cycling’s 100%ME development squad entering under the wing of ex-Pro Keith Lambert. Fastest was 19-year-old Scott Davies in a superb 31m 21s on a testing course.

Paul Fleming of Walton-le-Dale was quickest veteran in 33mins 36seconds and based on age Peter Haigh of Nelson Wheelers won the 60+ and Harry Haseley of North Lancs RC the 70+. Blackburn’s Jan Scotchford was fastest lady.

Seventeen-year-old Nick Cooper of Helmshore followed his win at Bassenthwaite in the Junior category of the RTTC Classic Series with a clear margin in his own Rossendale Road Club Tuesday 10-mile event at Hapton.

His time of 24m 11s beat Chris Smith of Condor Road Club 26-05, James Barlow Albarosa CC 26-32 and Andy Horner Bury Clarion 26-43.

The Wednesday North Lancs Road Club 10 at Clitheroe had their own Mark Haydock best in 23m 20s with club mates Paul Taylor 25-19 and Richard Sagar 25-55 next whilst Rebecca Rimmington of Ikon-Mazda took fourth in 26-13.

I paid my first visit to the new Steven Burke Hub 1.2km circuit at Barrowford on Thursday and an excellent facility it is, catering for the under 12s up to Elite category riders.

Of our local riders Sam Boast of Wheelbase Altura MGD was third in the senior race and of the Cycle Sport Pendle members Thomas Kenyon won the under 12 event with Daniel Vincent third. Cory Edmondson was second and Georgia Ashworth third in the under 16 event.