WEAVER Valley’s women excelled in a busy weekend of cycling.

Laura Gray, a novice rider, won the British Cycling women’s third and fourth category road race over 63km at Pimbo, Skelmersdale.

Frustrated with the defensive cycling in the bunch, she attacked with three laps to go, was joined by another rider with two laps to go and won the sprint finish.

Clubmate Emily Martin finished in the bunch a day after winning the Manchester and District Ladies Cycling Association 10-mile time trial.

Her excellent time of 24.45 put her three seconds ahead of Sarah Grant of Vision Racing.

Lynsey Astles crossed line in 28.46 and Carol Robson, in her first time trial for several years, produced a strong 29.35.

Paul Connor posted 24.10, meaning that he and Martin came second in the mixed team competition, which was won by Mark Fenton and Jayne Dickens.

Dan Robson finished in 26.54 behind the winner Mark Fenton from Stone Wheelers CC in 22.55.

In the Seamon’s evening road race on the Siddington circuit, Kevan Underhill was fourth in his age category (55 to 60 years) after winning the bunch sprint behind three riders that broke away.

The winner was Roy Holmes, from Bott RC, the national champion in his age group.

Matt Buckley came in fifth and John Keen 10th in their respective age groups.

Emily Martin was forced to withdraw with a puncture, having hit a pothole.

Youngster Patrick Lucas came third in the TLI criterium race on the Tameside Circuit, competing over 20 laps with each measuring 900 metres and having to cope with constant twists and turns in a fast paced race.

The winner was Sam Saxelby from High Peak Cycles RT, leading the bunch sprint.

Andy Woolley competed in the Port Sunlight Wheelers 10-mile time trial at Farndon, finishing in 25.53.

The club’s 10-mile open time trial series continues to attract good fields.

After round nine, Paul Connor is 21 points ahead of Tony Booth in the Guardian Cup handicap competition.

In the scratch series, where riders’ best seven rides are counted, Colin Carthy is the current leader, ahead of Dan Robson by three points and Jim Duffy by 14 points.