Word has it that our gallant competitors found themselves in church on their return from their endeavours on Chorley’s roads. Photographic evidence seems to support the tale. Things do move in mysterious ways. We are intrigued and hope to learn more!

Meanwhile Dave Evans reports:

Close rivals Nigel Shaw and Tony Bell were slightly below their previous opening mile times in this event passing the timekeeper in 10:18 and 10:32.  Adrian Edwards kept Tony close company as the whole field tackled the long climb to the head of the course before a long fast descent.

This out and back course offers competitors some respite on the journey home and it was with some surprise that we saw Tony in the lead at halfway. His 38:06 was over a minute faster than his clocking at this point last year but Nigel was on his heels some 9 seconds adrift.

Further back in the field Roy Gunnett and Steve Wilde were dualling for fourth and fifth spot reaching 3 1/2 miles in 42:22 with Adrian in the middle recording 39:48.

The second half of the race was likely to be a battle of minds with Tony endeavouring to secure his lead and Nigel hoping the final mile or so would play to his strengths. As the first two crested the final climb it was Nigel who seized the initiative and he repeated his victory in this event.

The handicap was close with Steve Wilde claiming a second handicap success just 6 seconds ahead of Tony. On this occasion most participants walked up to their known level of fitness and there were no shocks.

Pat Evans walked well but as a walk leader for Long distance events she was mindful of having to lead a 15 miler the day after hence the decision to call it a day at halfway.

SCRATCH
1. Nigel Shaw 75:34
2. Tony Bell 75:49
3. Adrian Edwards 80:14
4. Roy Gunnett 85:13
5. Steve Wilde 85:13
6. Greg Smith 86:56
7. Phil McCullagh 89:33
8. Joe Hardy 91:26

3 1/2 miles
Pat Evans 45:56

HANDICAP
1. Steve Wilde 73:13 – winner of the Dave Crompton Memorial Trophy
2. Tony Bell 73:19
3. Nigel Shaw 74:34
4. Roy Gunnett 75:13
5. Greg Smith 75:56
6. Phil McCullagh 76:48
7. Joe Hardy 77:26
8. Adrian Edwards 79:14
9. Pat Evans 45:56

Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the splendid photos and the evidence of strange things afoot.

DON’T FORGET – TAKE ADVANTAGE

The next Lancashire WC track session at Stockport organised by Adrian Edwards will take place on Sunday 17th May. As usual the track is available for our use from noon through till 5. As ever our thanks to Adrian for continuing to organise this monthly gathering.