Wheelers take on pair of pros

Retford and District Wheelers cyclists were up against a pair of professionals, in a local time trial last week.
Ben Swift - Tour of Britain stage 8a time trialBen Swift - Tour of Britain stage 8a time trial
Ben Swift - Tour of Britain stage 8a time trial

The Harworth Cycling Club’s 10-mile time trial on Tuesday had 36 riders in action, with Team Sky’s Ben Swift and Graham Briggs of Team Raleigh putting in an appearance.

Swift and Briggs, unsurprisingly, finished one and two in the event, with Retford Wheeler Dom Smith beating his own course record to finish third.

Beijing Olympian Swift, from Anston, was delighted to return to the Harworth event.

He told the Guardian: “It’s rare I get the chance, so while I’ve been at home I’ve done a couple of local events.”

“It’s 10 years since I’ve done the Harworth time trial, and it’s nice to support local club events.”

Last Sunday 12 riders from Retford and District Wheelers set off for a ride to Humberside Airport, via the picturesque Lincolnshire lanes and villages.

The outward journey was an easy ride with a tailwind but after the café stop the return journey was much harder, into a constant head wind with everyone feeling tired after a total of 90 miles.

This weekend the club run is on Saturday, and is the annual family party day, at Sutton on Sea, for a meal and drinks courtesy of the club.

While club members ride out, their families will drive there to ferry them back.

Riders should meet in Retford Market Square at 8am on Saturday.

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