Ton-up for Circuit of Dales

8:45am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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THE longest-running and most prestigious time trial organised by any of our East Lancashire-based clubs is Sunday's Circuit of the Dales, promoted by the Nelson Wheelers Cycling Club.

Event secretary Steve Wilkinson, of Barrowford, has received almost 100 entries from across the country, all ready to test themselves against the hilly terrain of the 50-mile course, starting and finishing in Ingleton and taking in Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedburgh and Hawes.

Entrants include Mark Holton, the 2008 Circuit of Pendle winner, and Andy Jackson, the winner of the recent Circuit of Ingleborough.

Among our local riders are Ian Stott and Adam Pinder (Blackburn and District CTC), Peter Greenwood (Clayton Velo), previous winner Martin Brass (Pendle Forest) and Carl Pawson of Nelson Wheelers.

First rider off is teenager Nathan Smedley of the promoting club, starting at 8-53am and headquarters is at Ingleton Community Centre.

In the Preston Wheelers 2-up time trial last Sunday, Jason Bateman and Simon Phillips of Pendle Forest finished 4th in 58 minutes 55 seconds and Duncan Park and Fraser Snape of North Lancs Road Club 5th in 59.03.

The winning pair was Robin Brennan and Paul Johnstone of Preston Cycling Club with 55- 46.

Although just out of the Medal Rush at the Manchester Velodrome, Colne's 20-year-old Steven Burke rode superbly well to finish an excellent sixth overall in the multi-event Omnium in his first Senior World Championship Series.

letsport@the-let.co.uk