HAINAULT Road Club s classic early season Hilly Event over 50 km produced a field of 96 competitors including top riders from Essex, London and beyond. The forecast strong wind and heavy rain did not materialise and the dry roads resulted in another succ

HAINAULT Road Club's classic early season Hilly Event over 50 km produced a field of 96 competitors including top riders from Essex, London and beyond.

The forecast strong wind and heavy rain did not materialise and the dry roads resulted in another successful Hainault Roads Club promotion.

The event was won by last man off, Dean Lubin, who rides for Hainault bike shop, Ciclos Uno, in a time of 1:11.30, which was fastest at all intermediate time checks.

Hainault had some success with a fine sixth place from Ilford man Ian Short in a competitive 1:15.18.

Next best for the club was Mark Steers in 1:23.29, just beating Howard Staunton's 1:24.44 while Chris Tompkins, whose business Kistrucks Bakery sponsored this popular event, posted a time of 1:27.51. Another local businessman, Roger Pimm, came in with a time of 1:32.17.

Hainault's ability to put up such a large contingent also had Chadwell Heath's Paul Gee just behind Pimm in 1:32.49 and Ilford riders Kevin Barton recorded a time of 1:37.12 while Paul Emery, on his first competitive ride, found his feet with a time of 1:39.15.

Time trail secretary, Brian Ward, followed in with 1:41.30 and Chris Pimm gamely completed the course in 2:02.04 despite a mechanical malfunction.

The team prize was won by Ciclos Uno bike shop from the Finsbury Park CC.