TIM Rutherford was Weaver Valley Cycling Club’s star turn as they hosted the latest round of the North West Cyclo-Cross League in Northwich on Saturday.

He classified just outside the top 20 in the senior men’s field on a mountain bike, putting him at a disadvantage compared to rivals on models adapted for the discipline.

Clubmate Iain Young was 57th overall, while Weaver Valley’s Alan Shuttleworth and Dave Halman contested the veterans’ category at a wet and muddy Pignut Hill.

At the front, Giles Drake (Leisure Lakes Bikes) registered a fourth win of the series.

The Wirral-based rider, a victor in half of the first six meetings, won the previous weekend on home turf too.

Jiri Klekner (Huddersfield CC) was second, eight seconds ahead of third-placed Mike Wardle (Wheelbase Altura).

Dave Haygarth (Carnac-Planet X) took first prize in the veteran and women’s race, while Becky Preece (Contessa Scott) was first female to reach the finish.

More than 200 entrants took part across all age groups.

Results (selected)

North West Cyclo-Cross League

Round Seven, Seniors (eight laps): 1. Giles Drake (Leisure Lake Bikes) 57.30; 2. Jiri Klekner (Huddersfield CC) 58.32; 3. Mike Wardle (Wheelbase Altura) 58.40; 24. Tim Rutherford (Weaver Valley) 1:05.40; 57. Iain Young (Weaver Valley) 1:02.37.

Veterans (six laps): 1. David Haygarth (Carnac-Planet X) 42.42; 2. Andrew Brindle (Horwich CC) 44.13; 3. Stephen Bottomley (Crosstrax) 44.30; 101. Alan Shuttleworth (Weaver Valley) 51.22; 110. Dave Halman (Weaver Valley) 43.25.