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Southend Wheelers Junior George Pearl recently competed in the North Road CC 3rd category race at the Hogg Hill racing circuit. Pearl broke away from the main bunch of riders on several occasions, only to be pulled back by the very fast pace set by the chasers. However, he did sprinted ahead to win the first intermediate sprint prize. Towards the end of the race, two riders broke away to establish a 15 second lead. They were quickly joined by another two and then seeing the danger, a number of riders, including Pearl, bridged the gap making a total of 14 in the lead group. This group stayed together to fight out the sprint finish in which Pearl achieved a creditable 4th place. On Wednesday the Wheelers held their evening 10 miles time trial at Steeple. David Bryant returned the fastest time with an excellent 23mins, 36secs. In second place was Robin Bevan in 25mins, 15secs and third spot went to veteran Arthur Knowler with 26mins, 17secs. Jenny Patience was fastest lady with 27minsand 5secs. Fastest junior was Matthew Kane in a time of 29mins, 16secs. On Thursday the Wheelers were out in force at Dunton for the Ford Cycling Club’s 4th category race at Dunton. Seven Southend riders, Mike Knott, Simon Alexander, Graham Pearl, Dave Whybrow, Mike McCarthy, Martin Elms, racing for the first time, and Terry Butcher riding his fist race for about 25 years, took to the start line. The race was very fast right from the start and after a few laps McCarthy was tailed off soon to be followed by Butcher lacking race fitness. Alexander and pearl both made break away attempts only to be pulled back by the fast moving main bunch of riders. However, Alexander sprinted ahead to take the two intermediate sprint prizes. The race ended in a mass bunch sprint in which Graham Pearl was best placed in 6th position. The remainder of the Southend team all finished in the bunch except for McCarthy who finished a lap down and Butcher who had retired. On Saturday 11 years old Hannah Kane competed in under 12’s race at Hogg Hill in the Lea Valley CC series. Hannah took the prize for first girl and finished well to the for overall. On Saturday afternoon Simon Alexander and Matthew Kane competed in the GHS Eastern Area National Schools 10 miles time trial at Steeple. Alexander, much fancied for a podium place, punctured after only one mile ruining his chances. Kane however achieved another personal best time of 28mins 33secs but was out of the podium places. There was a good turnout for the Sunday Training and social rides at Canewdon. |
