THE cold weather and a cruel wind failed to stop Tavistock Wheelers when they held a 25 mile time trial on Sunday.

A record field of 53 riders took part, starting from Mary Tavy across Blackdown to Fowley Cross and back — finishing in the car park of the Trout and Tipple public house on the edge of Tavistock.

The outward journey was a real struggle for the riders, mainly into a fierce wind blowing off the moors but the return to Tavistock was much quicker and even wind assisted at times.

Despite the blustery conditions the winner, Peter Vincent, finished in the superb time of just over 57 minutes at an average speed of over 25 miles an hour.

The fastest lady was Hannah Colston from Tavistock Wheelers.

Tim Woodward, a club spokesman said: 'The club would like to thank all those who volunteered to be marshals in such cold conditions and also the timekeepers, John Bradbury and Ian Dudley. The supply of cakes and help with hot drinks was greatly appreciated.'

'Twenty riders from Tavistock Wheelers took part in the event and this is a real sign of the growth and popularity of cycling in the Tavistock area.'

Winners: Peter Vincent (Twenty 3c – Focus), 2, Graham Moir (North Devon Wheelers), 3, Steve Kirby (Plymouth Corinthian); 1, Espoir Josh Bullock (Tavistock Wheelers). 1, Veteran 40/V49, Julian Harper (Exe Velo), 2. Richard Brown (Tavistock Wheelers); 1, V50/V59 Robin Brew (Tavistock Wheelers), 2, Terry Leonard (St Budeaux); 1, V60+ Tony Farnell (One and All Cycling), 2, V60+ - Andrew Warner (Okehampton CC); ladies, 1, Hannah Colston (Tavistock Wheelers); 2, Pauline Warner (Exeter Tri Club), 3, Lindsay Hobbs (Tavistock Wheelers); juniors/juvenile, 1, James Anderson (Tavistock Wheelers), 2, James Barrett (Tavistock Wheelers).