THE weather was again a major factor for the riders in last week’s Hereford Wheelers 10-mile Time Trial held on the Allensmore circuit course.

The forecast had been predicted to have heavy rainfall most of the day with temperatures between 10 and 12 degrees.

The light was fading quickly because of the dark clouds overhead so timekeepers decided to start the race earlier than expected.

Even with the bad weather, 34 riders signed on to challenge the rolling circular course through Clehonger and Kingstone and returning along the A465 from Lock’s Garage to the finish.

Fastest rider on the night was Wheeler member Ian Rivers riding a friend’s bike after his own bike was stolen the previous week.

His time of 23.19 was almost a minute slower than his personal best on this course.

Second place was a very close battle between Wheeler members Jon Tetley and Alex Haines with Alex just getting the better of Jon by 9 seconds.

Five Ladies entered on the night with the fastest being Sarah Lloyd-Stephens who finished in a time of 28 minutes and 3 seconds.

The top five positions were: 1 Ian Rivers 23.19, 2 Alex Haines 24.20, 3 Jon Tetley 24.29, 4 Chris Hughes 24.56, 5 Andy Sparks 25.09.

The top five ladies were: 1 Sarah Lloyd-Stephens 28.03, 2 Nicola Goodwin 28.48, 3 Claire Scott 32.28, 4 Abigail Hughes 35.24, 5 Wendy Howells 35.40.

The time keeper for the event was Stuart Edinborough and Dave Unsworth with Pusher-off Percy Hughes.