Mark thrives in warm weather

Ditching the leg and arm warmers and winter gloves for the first time this year, the riders got down to the serious business of producing fast times whilst enjoying the favorable conditions.

On a glorious Saturday morning 35 riders took part in the Tooting BC 21. Run on the Bletchley course, the event featured three members of the Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club.

Mark Winton continued to mix it with the fast boys, his time of 53m55s being good enough for fourth place overall.

Peter Barling just missed a top 10 finish with his time of 59m20s, while Stephen Long continued to make progress in his first season and recorded a time of 72m11s. Mike Coyle of VC Etoile won the event with a time of 51m03s.

Sunday offered more of the same weather wise for the Redmon 25. Seven Wanderers were amongst the large field of 120 riders looking for fast times over 25 miles.

Winton repeated his previous day's fourth place overall and in doing so rode his fastest ever 25. His time of 54m25s knocked an amazing 45 seconds off his previous best at the distance.

Andy Cox was also on the PB trail recording 58m20s, while 50-year-old Colin Harris was the third Lewes rider to crack the magic 25mph mark. This was Colin's first ride of the year and, along with Winton and Cox, they collected the team award. Bob Coleman (1h06m26s) just beat son Spencer (1h06m39s). Martin Phillips, riding his first ever 25 came home in 1h16m04s. The event was won by Paul Mill in 51m49s.

This weekend sees the ESCA 10 and 25 double header. Ten Wanderers are amongst the total field of 68 for the Saturday morning 10.

Sunday's 25 is both the ESCA and LWCC 25-mile championships. Nineteen Wanderers are amongst the total field of 76. For more info on Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club visit www.leweswanderers.co.uk