Andover Wheelers’ members took part in the local Winchester Criterium circuit races at the weekend which are set on a closed street circuit around the centre of Winchester and are fast and frantic with sharp turns and sometimes uneven cobbled surfaces.

In the U8s the Wheelers were well represented with Livia Kersley, Evelyn Mills and Isla Knight who was following in father Ian’s pedals. All three had a strong race.

In the Third Category race for Seniors, Max Webber and veteran Ian Knight unfortunately had a slow getaway being baulked by others who were slow clipping in. Webber realised he had work to do and slowly worked his way back up through the field to join a breakaway group of five and by half distance there were six clear and it would be this group to contest the podium places.

One rider attacked with three laps to go and Webber bridged the gap to join him but the break unfortunately didn’t stick and the six were back to together for the final lap which would be bunch sprint up the High Street paving to the finish line. Webber jumped and for a second was clear but two other riders pipped him to the line and he had to settle for a hard fought and well earned third place.

Knight, who was returning to road racing after many years away, finished some way back but was pleased with his performance.

In the Elite race, Jed Webber found the tight technical and fast circuit tough and put up a strong challenge early on but unfortunately retired after 17 minutes.