Wisbech cyclist picks up valuable points in NCRA Handicap road race at Southwick, near Oundle

Wisbech Wheelers teenager William Horspool has made a good start to the new race season, where he now competes as a junior category three rider.

Horspool, 16, competed in the third NCRA Handicap road race on a road circuit at Southwick near Oundle, where he gained his first race points of the season.

The 45 starting riders, consisting of 40 seniors and five juniors, were split into five groups with Horspool going off in the third group.

The strong winds made for a tough 30-mile race, five laps of the six-mile circuit, but this did not deter the youngster, who worked hard with his group to close the gap to the two groups in front before crossing the uphill, headwind finish line in an uncontested ninth place overall and third junior.

Horspool is looking to build on this race result and earn further points in his coming races so that he can earn his second category licence this year which will enable him to apply for positions with development race teams ready for next year.

Good Friday saw a few of the Wisbech Wheelers travel over to King's Lynn for their Good Friday 10-mile Time Trial.

There were just 17 starters due to the risk of rain and the strong winds making for some very tough riding conditions.

Horspool was fastest Wisbech Wheeler on the day, finishing fourth overall with a time of 24:23, Andrew Jenkins finishing in 25:09, while veteran lady Denese Hallahan clocking 40:34.