HUDDERSFIELD Star Wheeler David Longbottom and Dan Akam and Oliver Futwell from Holme Valley Wheelers rode the youth race in round one of the British Mountain Bike Series last Sunday in Sherwood Pines.

On a flat but technical course Futrell finished 17th, eight minutes behind the winner Grant Ferguson riding for Dooley's Cycles. Akam and Longbottom finished 28th and 29th respectively.

Holme Valley Wheelers riders have been represented in many time trials and road races.

Steve Robinson has done well, with 10th position in the Rossendale RC 10.3 mile race in 27.08. Winner was D Tiffen in 25.06. The tough Tour of Pendle was won by Jimmy Wright in 1.5.17 with Steve again putting in a good ride to take 16th in 1.13.38.

Hull Thursday RC ran a 20 mile two-up time trial and wheeler Gavin Pilkinton paired up with Graham Plews of Calder Tri Club and came in a respectable 18th in 51.13, followed closely by Richard Makin, paired with Andrew Wiggins of Calder Tri who were 20th in 52.41. The race was won by Julian Ramsbottom and Jamie Rogers in 43.27.

Last weekend Trish Mellor, Rachael Mellor and Martin Whiteley drove to Hull to ride on the fast 10-mile course for their first time trial of the season. After the wonderful weather on Saturday the gusty winds on Sunday where very unwelcome. The normally super fast course – 41 miles out and 51 back – turned into an ordeal, with the race winner being 19-year-old Triathlete Philip Graves in 20.06. Rachael Mellor was the first Wheeler home and third fastest lady in 24.49, followed by Martin Whitely – making a welcome return after a serious accident – in 27.05 and close behind was Trish in 27.21.

Trish recently won the Sprint Duathlon (5k run, 20k bike, 5krun) at the Clumber Classic Duathlon and took first lady veteran. Steve Robinson, Steve Rimmer and Rachael Mellor all entered the duathlon but opted for the longer distance event of 10k run, 40k bike, 5k run. Robinson, again a novice to triathlon, had a fantastic race to finish 41st, followed by Steve Rimmer in 48th and third in 45-49 age group. Rachael Mellor was second in her age (45-49) amazingly so as cramp took hold and she ended up walking the last 5k! Both were using the race as training for a qualifying race when they were hoping to qualify in their age groups to represent Great Britain for this year’s European championships in Holland in early July.