George Pearl in action at Hogg Hill

Following his excellent 2^nd place in the 3^rd category race last week at Hogg Hill, sixteen years old Southend Wheeler George Pearl stepped up a category on Saturday. He traveled to Hillingdon to compete in the 55 miles 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th category race in preparation for a longer race on open roads race next weekend. After leading the 98 strong field early in the race, Pearl was content to stay with the leaders and finished in fine style with a very strong sprint, but not quite fast enough to secure a podium place. 

On Sunday three Southend Wheelers veterans, Mike Brushett, Peter Humphreys and Graham Pearl competed in the LVRC event at the hilly Hogg Hill circuit. Super vet Mike Brushett faired best, winning his age category in the over 75 age group. Humphreys and Pearl finished in their respective age groups but out off the podium places. 

In the Lea Valley 25 miles time trial, David Bryant, the Wheelers time trial specialist, recorded a creditable time of 1 hour 2 minutes, 25 seconds, finishing in 19^th place out of  a field of 73 competitors.