EMILY Martin tested herself against more experienced riders during the Bickerstaffe Road Race last Saturday.

The Weaver Valley Cycling Club member was part of a 36-strong field, and started 12 laps of a handicap run with a three-minute head-start over a list of elite riders that included Dame Sarah Storey.

She remained active in the front group, which was caught by only three members of the chasing pack after maintaining a fast early pace.

Jayati Hine, a development rider from Yorkshire, took first prize following a dash to the finish from Gwenno Hughes (Torelli-Brother) and Steph Clayton (Stafford RC).

Martin stayed with them until the start of bunch sprint at the final corner, and crossed the line in 16th place.

Meanwhile two Weaver Valley riders, Alistair Stanway and Steve Marlow, took part in the East Lancs Road Club 10 at the same time.

The former clocked his best time for a Cheshire course, 22.37, to classify inside the top 20 while his clubmate completed a route on roads around Chelford in 26.00.

Ryan Morley (Royal Air Force CA) took his first open victory of the season, winning by a 23-second margin.

He timed 20.35, with runner-up Darren Maironis (Velotik RT) next to finish in 20.58.