ANDREW Retter, a member of Okehampton Cycle Club, continued his recent rich vein of form by achieving a notable victory in the recently held Brent Tor road race.

The 54-mile event organised by Plymouth Corinthians consisted of ten circuits of a course starting and finishing adjacent to the landmark church.

During the first few laps it was clear that a lot of energy was being used by the riders to ascend to the church, but most of the 54 starters were still in the race. By the midway point several had dropped away, until with four laps to go a hardcore group of 25 to 30 was still together with little time between them.

With only two laps to go to the finish a seven-man group of riders broke away from the main field and appeared to be clear. However, a slow moving hazard on the road caused the lead safety vehicle to put up the neutralised flag which slowed the race leaders and enabled the chasing pack to catch the leading group.

With the actions of the safety vehicle upsetting the tempo of a few riders and with one and a half laps left amounting to approximately seven miles Andrew took a chance and launched a decisive attack, quickly opening up a gap on the field.

Maintaining a good time he managed to keep the chasing bunch at bay and motored up the final climb to the finish, crossing the line seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

Andrew was clearly delighted with the result; ?I thought I could be in with a chance of finishing first if I could keep it together, but in reality expected to be caught. On the final rise to the finish I still had a gap on the chasers so just gave it everything I had left and held on to the line.?

Not one for resting on his laurels, Andrew now travels to Brenig, North Wales, to compete in a 60-mile road race with the hope of gaining more points to add to his season?s tally with a view to gaining a first category road racing licence.

Last Thursday saw the second event of the Okehampton Cycle Club summer time trials series. In almost perfect conditions six competitors took part to ride the undulating ten mile Bridestowe to Lewdown and back course.

Jacky Rice was the fastest on the night with a time of 28.52, taking nearly a minute off her previous week?s time, followed by husband Mike Rice with 29.43. Nigel Williams was third clocking 30.15.

Full results: J Rice 28.52; M Rice 29.43; N Williams 30.15; J Short 31.37; D Baskerville 32.28; A Thorne, 36.19.