The annual Brentor Road Race, promoted by the Plymouth Corinthian CC, proved to be as guelling as all of its predecessors. However, the Mid-Devon Cycling Club / Colin Lewis Team came away with three riders finishing in the top six and securing the team prize. A fast start on the five-mile circuit – covered 10 times – saw a break of eight riders go clear, and halfway round the second lap they had a lead of 20 seconds over an active bunch. On the approach to Iron Railings Corner, a moment's lack of concentration caused the literal and actual downfall of Mid-Devon's Andreas Perrakis. He ran into the rear wheel of Chris Halls, Bikinmotion CC, and went down. By the time he got up, the break had sped away and he was left to join the bunch. The end of lap two saw Halls retire when his long-standing back problems resurfaced and the pain proved too much to bear. On the third circuit, one more rider was forced out of the break when James Smith, Team Certini, had a mechanical problem and came to a sudden stop. His misfortune left Marcin Biablocki, Somerset Road Club, Jason Flooks, Team Certini, Jason Burkett, of Bikinmotion CC, Mark Haynes, of Penzance Wheelers, and James Cusden, from the MDCC, team at the head of affairs. Little by little their lead grew to just over a minute. This was the signal for the counter attacks to be launched. The one that succeeded was made up of a quartet of riders, three from local clubs – Alex Fitzgerald, Bikinmotion CC plus Andrew Retter and Perrakis, now over his earlier misfortune and often forcing the pace. On the penultimate lap, Biablocki, Flooks and Cusden dropped Haynes and Burkett – the latter starting to cramp up. On the bell lap, Biablocki took off to a fine solo win. Flooks and Cusden sprinted it for the minor placings, with Flooks gaining the upper hand some 25 yards from the finish line. A strong ride over the last five miles saw Retter overhaul Haynes and Burkett to claim fourth spot. Penzance Wheeler Haynes held on for fifth spot ahead of Perrakis, who had dropped Fitzpatrick and passed Burkett. Fitzgerald and Burkett came in together for eighth and ninth. However on crossing the finish line the latter dropped his bike and fell to the road with severe cramp. The bunch sprint was won by Will Hornby, MDCC. Further afield, Peter Georgi, MDCC, contested the opening Bush Healthcare National Veterans' race No 1. The 50-mile event was held on the Darley Moor Circuit to the South of Ashbourne, Derbyshire. At about halfway, a break of four went clear. Georgi sensed the danger and was the only rider from the bunch to bridge the gap. Hard work kept the quintet clear of the bunch. Coming to the finish, Georgi felt he had a good chance of a win. However poor road positioning on the final corner saw him boxed in and he had to settle for fourth. The winner was Phil Raynor, Welland Valley. Andy Eagers, Derby Mercury was second ahead of Paul Dixon, VS Cycles.
