A FIELD of more than 400 riders turned out for the annual Original Holme Valley Mountain Bike Challenge.
Conditions were very hot and, unlike last year, there were not too many over muddy tracks to navigate.
Nonetheless it proved to be another great test of strength and stamina for all riders.
First home was Sam Jones in an excellent time of 2.18.45 and he was quickly followed by John Hick, of Holme Valley Wheelers, in 2.20.23.
Another Holme Valley Wheeler, Lee Brown, finished seventh in a time of 2.31.26; and Ivan Boyes and Graham Piccavey, of Huddersfield Star Wheelers, finished sixth and 16th, respectively, with times of 2.27.42 and 2.38.02.
Gold medal winner Ed Clancy praised all the local cycling clubs in Kirklees last Sunday on his post-Olympic visit to Huddersfield.
In the afternoon he was at the John Smith Stadium to do a victory lap before the Giants’ game against Leeds Rhino’s and sat in the rear of an open top gold limousine with 18 members of the Holme Valley Wheelers cycling club riding behind.
He spoke encouragingly about the work local clubs are doing in bringing on youngsters in the sport of cycling and recalled with great warmth his days as a young rider with Holme Valley Wheelers.
Later in the evening, at the Mayor’s Reception in the George Hotel, he returned to the theme of the need to identify, encourage and nurture young talent.
