CARL Hitchenson’s rapid improvement over the course of the campaign has been rewarded with an overall victory in Weaver Valley Cycling Club’s annual Guardian Cup.

A former player at Northwich Rugby Club, the 50-year-old’s latest 10-mile time, 25.19, is more than eight minutes faster than a marker of 33.44 that he laid back in May.

Riders collect points for lowering their previous bests.

In the scratch competition, based on actual times, Paul Connor holds a narrow three-point lead over Emily Martin.

Two Weaver Valley members, Laura Gray and Kevan Underhill, contested the rearranged Charlie Betteley Memorial Road Race at Swynnerton on Sunday.

First to complete 45 miles was Mark Hammersley (Team Wheelguru) who joined a decisive break early in proceedings before outpacing his rivals to the line.

Gray and Underhill made several unsuccessful attempts to bridge the gap and finished back in the bunch, the former as second female behind Julie Mann (Bella In Sella Racing Team).

Ged Lacey (men’s over 60s) and John Keen (men’s over 50s) represented Weaver Valley in the Super Six Series’ fourth round at Pimbo.

The duo missed a winning break, but remained in the bunch to take fourth and seventh place respectively in their age-group categories.