Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 29 May 2008

TO HAVE a bike ride around Bassenthwaite Lake is a very pleasant experience but to race around the lake is something else.

It is very demanding with hilly sections, winding downhills and a fast flat section to finish off the 16 miles.

Velo Club Cumbria had 30 entrants for their evening race and with a headwind to Keswick it was not ideal conditions for the riders.

Brian Payton, VCC, took top points winning in a time of 36 minutes dead. Second was Adam Powe, VCC, 37.12 followed in by Rob Hargreaves, Team Swift, 37.44, third.

Dave Robinson, VCC, was fourth in 38.42 and Richard Houghton, Keswick Bikes, put in a very good performance for a 15-year-old for fifth in 39.34.

Kevin Wiltsure,VCC, was sixth in 40.32 and Julian Cook, VCC, just back after a fracture to his arm in an early season ride, clocked 41 minutes dead for seventh.

Phil Reeve, Tri-Lakeland was eighth in 41.07, with Ben Smith, unattached ninth in 41.11 and in 10th spot finished Mark Wells, VCC, 41.13.

Leading the supervets was Ken Hargreaves, Team Swift, in 11th with 41.22 and Sean Hoban clocked 41.25, 12th. Keith Ashbridge, VCC, who should excel on this type of course was off form to finish in 41.53, 13th .

Keswick Bikes veteran Frazer Robinson put in a spirited ride for 14th in 42.40 and Mark Wilson, VCC, was 15th in 42.45.

Victoria Wade, Keswick Bikes won the ladies’ race in 47.09 and 23rd overall with Mark Gascoigne 24th in 47.10. Second lady was Sam Ayers, VCC, 25th in 49.56 and Tim Houghton, VCC, finished in 50.43.