IT WAS a profitable weekend for the veteran racing squad of Horwich CC.

At the LVRC La Fleche Waltonne Road Race in Leicestershire, despite not being in the winning breakaway group, Vinny Smith took 7th and Roy Francis followed up in 12th.

This was enough to make Vinny's lead in the championship for the 45-50 age group unassailable and now can add this to his previous championship win in the 40-45 age group. In the same race Pete Halliwell took a fine third from the 10 man leading group.

Junior riders Richard Sale and Amy Hunt took part in the Manchester Youth Tour Stage race. This consisted of four stages over two days and attracted a big field of over 260 riders from as far away as South Africa and Sweden. Both riders put in some great performances.

In the final classification Richard was 18th, and, despite being a marked rider up against a composite North of England team, Amy 4th. Both riders will still be eligible for this event next year and must fancy their chances for the overall next time.

On the non-racing side, Eric Taylor was a member of the 38 strong 'Coast to Coast 2001 Challenge' team raising money for the Bolton Hospice. Over a very hilly 225 mile route Eric and his tandem partner managed to raise £2000 in sponsorship.

Finally, a new Horwich CC group ride is to leave the Lower Barn at Rivington every Saturday at 1pm. This will be a fairly easy pace so any novice/leisure riders out there looking to join a group ride, you are more than welcome! For more details, contact Dave Headon on 01204 660711.

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Denis Keaskin