Debut season man Andrew Brinkley emerged from pouring rain to win Mid-Suffolk Road Race, by 100 yards from Rob Ormond (Stowmarket & District) and Ben Howell (StradaSport).

Before his change of sports Brinkley (West Suffolk Wheelers) had been an international canoeist, accustomed to routinely somersaulting kayaks – so perhaps he was in his element.

But anyway this was an impressive performance – with Brinkley frequently at the front of the field at crucial moments.

For Rob Ormond and Ben Howell, both 17, this was probably their best-yet results on the open road.

There was a big split in the field and those behind the split soon disappeared, leaving just 16 riders still in contention. Significant but ultimately unsuccessful solo attacks were made by Stefaan van Poucke (Braintree Velo) and later by Bjorn Krylander (Cambridge CC).

On the last lap three riders escaped, presently reduced to two – Brinkley and a St Ives CC man.

They worked together, then Brinkley found his companion unable or unwilling to come through, and he went for it alone – just as the rain storm hit.

Meanwhile, Tricyclist Jane Moore from Witham near Colchester has established a new Road Records Association Land’s End to John ‘O Groats record of three days 16 hours and 21 seconds.

Moore left Lands End at 6am on Monday, August 4 and arrived at John ‘O Groats late on Thursday.

She was supported by relays of helpers from the Tricycle Association and her club, the Willesden CC, and had to face torrential rain during her second night on the road and at times on the final leg north of Inverness.

She started well and was on schedule at Bristol and entered Scotland after 45 hours and 25 minutes.

She was through Perth (620 miles) at 5.20pm on Wednesday tea-time and after a sleep was back on the road at 4.30am in time to see a clear sunrise at Aviemore.

A change to a trike with lower gears helped her ride – rather than walk – the notorious climbs of Helmsdale and Berriedale, and she completed the 849-mile ride late on Thursday evening.

The Veterans TTA 10 on the Wortwell to Bungay and back course was won on scratch by Martin Reynolds (Cambridge CC, 22:35) and on age standard by 66 year-old Chris Nudds (CC Breckland, +5:03).

“Howling tailwind to Bungay and a struggle back” was Stowmarket rider John Adams’ summary.

Jeff Wharton (Velo Schils, 22:48) and Paul Barnes (Newmarket C&TC, 22:52) were next on scratch while Ron Back (West Suffolk Whs) was second on standard with +4:51(25:16 at age 75).