THE wet and wild weather failed to put a dampener on the activities of VC Sevale.

While other sports activities on Sunday fell by the wayside the club managed to put on a veterans' road race and surprisingly most riders turned up and rode the event.

Riding a circuit that took in Welland, Rye Cross, Longdon, Tunnel Hill and back to Welland again the younger veterans, 40-60 year olds did three laps which is about 50 miles. The winners of these groups were Martin Webster of Webster Cycles (40-44 age group), Colin Griffiths of Welland Valley CC (45-49), Chris Davis of Halesowen A&CC (50-54) and Ian Potts of Wolverhampton Wheelers (55-59).

Sevale riders Sean O'Toole and Brian Mellor finished in the bunch and were pleased with their efforts especially as the weather was so bad and road surface a bit treacherous in places.

The pre race favourite Roger Iddles of Stourbridge CC (60-64) lived up to his fast man reputation by riding away from the bunch in the over 60s race and finishing five minutes before the chasing group.

The other winners were Ken Haddon of MI Racing (65-69) Dave Elliott of Solihull CC (70-74) and Norman Wood of Coventry CC in the 75 years and over category.

The only lady rider to finish this 33-mile race was Karen Metcalf of Worcester St Johns CC The previous Thursday, the club time-trial was on the tough 12-mile hilly circuit over British Camp and Hollybush.

The weather was fine and close to ideal for cycle racing and the seemingly unbeatable Mike Amery took advantage to set a new veterans record of 34mins-49secs which was nearly a minute ahead of Brian Boswell at 35.39 with Will Davis coming in at 37.05.

The only rider to ride fixed gear was Steve Price who chose a low 63-inch, which certainly was a good choice for the climb past Little Malvern Priory but a little uncomfortable on the decent from the Camp, he did 43.47, nearly a minute quicker than last year.

The rest of the results and details of future events can be found on the club website www.sevale-malvern. freeserve.co.uk The next time trial, on Thursday (June 7), the 10-mile at Leigh Sinton starting at 7.30pm from the layby approx one mile west of the village.

The club has a couple of Come and Try It events in June, the entry is free.

Details from Mike 01684 310168 or Bob 01684 575267 or the website.