Fergus Muir Joe Skipper celebrated his return home to Lowestoft from university by winning the 80 mile Beccles Road Race. Skipper, Daniel Kogan, another 19 -year-old, and vastly experienced Kevin Chambers broke away with about 35 miles to go.

Fergus Muir

Joe Skipper celebrated his return home to Lowestoft from university by winning the 80 mile Beccles Road Race.

Skipper, Daniel Kogan, another 19 -year-old, and vastly experienced Kevin Chambers broke away with about 35 miles to go. Their attack received a massive helping hand from fate when the barrier arm of Ringsfield railway level crossing descended in front of the bunch.

The wait doesn't seem to have been long, but it definitely knocked the stuffing out of the chasers. Phil Hetzel (IBC) launched a lone pursuit but did not catch the breakaways. Up front, Kogan (PCA Ciclos Uno) put in a lot of work to maintain the break's advantage and the trio had two minutes in hand at the line. In the last few hundred yards Chambers cramped up and Skipper (Lotto/Interbike) got the better of Kogan.

t Days after completing his degree exams, King's Lynn rider Nino Piccoli put a Norfolk name on the Zak Carr Trophy. He received the award, in memory of the Attleborough cyclist, when he won the ECCA Championship 10 in a personal best 19:50. On a grey damp afternoon on the A11 south of Newmarket, Piccoli had three seconds in hand over second placed Paul Smith (PCA Ciclos Uno). Lee Bark (Stowmarket & District) was third in 19:58.

t Diss time trialist Mark Solley scored a double win in the Godric CC 10 and 25 mile time trials in the Waveney Valley.

In the 10 mile event, which had a delayed start due to rain, Solley's time was 21:45, 28 seconds quicker than Alan Newark (Planet X). A notable fifth place went to young Norwich ABC junior Tim Finch in 23:51.

Experience was certainly no help to Anglia Velo veteran Martin Pyne - he had a late penalty after going to the time-honoured start at Tunbeck Lane, only to find the course had been moved westwards to take it clear of the busy Norwich Road roundabout at Bungay

Anglia Velo tandem pair Geoff Bateman and Joe Empson made no mistake. They sliced 58 seconds off the tandem record for the old course - going round in 21:09.

The weather was kinder for the 25 next morning, dry with a gentle crosswind. Solley recorded 55:25 while runner -up was Gary Rushmore (King's Lynn CC) in 56:53. The Lynn club also took the team prize and the top veteran's award - Colin Bunnett marking his return to health with 1-1:56 at age 65.

t More than 1500 cyclists took part in the Norwich 100 Charity Ride and it's 50 mile alternative. They started with a cool headwind ride out to Reepham and Hindringham.

The temperature soared as the sun came out along the coast and participants really sweated climbing the hill at Aylmerton before being revived by lunch at Felbrigg and returning via Waxham.

All are invited to the celebration of the life of Albert Saunders, CC Breckland founder member and former CTT East District Chairman, which will be at Carbrooke Village Hall on Sunday, from 2pm onwards.

t National Bike Week starts on Saturday with a “Doctor Bike” session - free bike checks - outside Norwich Forum 11am to 2pm. Look at the website for details of other events near Norwich.

The Norwich ABC have a “come and try it” six miles time trial on Sunday June 29 in aid of Quidenham Childrens' Hospice. It is at Seething Village Hall, start 2pm with free entry to all cyclists over 12 years of age. Details from Mike Johnson on 01508 548657.

t There was a tactical last lap in Wednesday's race at Lotus as riders attempted to prevent Phil Hetzel from gaining his fifth straight win. Phil was boxed in with

200 metres left, but came from eighth place to win by a length.

t James Eman (Anglia Velo) was 57th in the National 25 in 57:46, 6:57 behind winner Michael Hutchinson.