JUNIOR rider Patrick Fotheringham proved to be Halesowen Cycling Club's leading rider in the 68 mile long Stan's Spring Cycle Race held near to Atcham last Sunday.

The 17-year-old finished in a fine 13th position from the 80 rider field.

This was a good result for Fotheringham who, as a junior rider, was restricted in gear size on a course which is noted for having a fast finish at the end of a long up up hill section.

His team-mates included Sam Dighton, Joe Hobbs and Adam Holmes, who all finished in the main field. Unfortunately, team member Charles Walker was unable to finish the race due to illness.

Fotheringham, Dighton and Walker are now looking forward to taking part in the National Junior Series race, The CiCLE Classic next weekend, a race noted for being held on tough roads in Leicestershire, which include sections of farm tracks.

Meanwhile, former Halesowen rider Matt Clarke, now riding for Wheelbase, put in a storming ride in the 145km Les Ingman Memorial Road Race held in Surrey when he joined the winning six man break after some 80km had been covered only to be forced out by a punctured rear tyre.