Cyclists from across the country competed in an exciting 50-mile road race through the stunning autumn countryside.

Competitors had to complete four laps of a course through Gayton, Great Massingham and Grimston and managed to cross the finish line in just over two hours.

King's Lynn Cycling Club Road Race, which is classified as a Category 3/4 race in the sport, is now in its second year.

Phillip Seaman, race co-ordinator, said: 'It was a very exciting race.

'The conditions were virtually perfect for road racing; the wind speed was 5-6 miles per hour and there was a small amount of rain, but nothing that made the roads too slippery.

He added: 'The first three riders managed a breakaway in the second lap and held away from the main peloton. They established a good two minute lead, which is very impressive.

'There was a second breakaway on the third lap, these cyclists were trying to catch those ahead - but were unable to quite get there.'

Maria Frary, from Shouldham, is a member of King's Lynn Cycling Club and was supporting fellow club members from the road side.

She said: 'I was at the start, and all the cyclists were fired up and ready.

'It would have taken them a lot of preparation to be here today, they would've done months of training and the race means a lot to them.'

- First place went to Darren Rutterford, from Aylsham Road Cycling Club with a time of 2 hours, 7 seconds; Stephen Fuller from Cambridge Cycling Club was second with the same time; Mark Tickner from Cambridge Triathlon Club was third at 2 hours 10 seconds.

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