IT was a wet start to the day for 68 riders on the start line at the Climb on Bikes road race held over four laps of an 18-mile circuit near Hereford.

Local rider Mark James gave a strong performance as the race developed and was well positioned on the final lap but unfortunately was brought down as several riders collided during the sprint for the line.

Another well-placed local rider, Phil Weaver of Epic Cycles, was also felled in the same collision as the overall winner Gary Dunne of Coventry Road Club sped across the finish line followed by John Wylie of M & D Cycles and Hywel Silvester (unattached) in second and third positions.

The event was part of the British Cycling West Midlands Regional Championship Series and was promoted and sponsored by Climb on Bikes with sprint prizes donated by Butford Organics Ltd.