THE WRIGHT STUFF

PRESTON Wheelers? Jimmy Wright took victory in the final round of the Rudy Project National Time Trial Series in Northamptonshire.

His victory in the 28.7-mile course was only his third appearance in the series this year, ruling him out of the race for the overall, which went to Sportscover.com?s Kevin Dawson.

Dawson finished second behind Wright, more than two minutes down, after suffering from a stomach bug for the week prior to the event, staged by the Northampton & District CA.

Suffering from a similar ailment was Mark Holton, the Pro Bike Kit rider who was the only man who could?ve caught Dawson in the race for the overall.

But he chose not to ride, leaving the Doncaster rider to clinch the series.

However, all eyes were on Burnley-based Wright at the prize presentation, and afterwards he said: ?To beat the likes of Dawson is obviously great, but to win by so much is fantastic.

?I?ve been going quite well recently and came first and second in a couple of hill-climbs last week, so I knew I had some form and I felt it was only a matter of time before a good result came along.

?I?ve always been a road racer but my former coach, John Morgan, encouraged me to try time trialling. I?m glad he did now!?

While Wright clocked 1-02-15 for the course, second-placed Dawson was 2-18 slower with 1-04-33, while his team-mate Bradley Johnston was third with 1-05-07.

Fat Birds CC rider Louise Day was best of the four women and secured second spot overall, while Trudi Sammons (Reading CC) was 45 seconds slower in second place. Series winner Michelle King (Wyre Forest CRC) did not start the event, having wrapped up overall victory already.

Rudy Project Time Trial Series (Middleton, Northants).-
Men (28.7 miles).-
1 Jimmy Wright (Preston Wheelers) 1-02-15

2 K. Dawson (Sportscover.com) 1-04-33

3 B. Johnston (Sportscover.com) 1-05-07

4 S. Baxter (MTS Cyclesport) 1-05-43

5 M. Lovatt (Planet X) 1-06-01

6 Richard Birkin (Ashfield RC) 1-14-45

Women (18.7 miles).- Louise Day (Fat Birds CC) 48-33. Juniors.- Richard Handley (Max Gear RT) 44-20. Veterans.- Richard Prebble (GS Strada) 41-30. Veterans on target time.- John Woodburn (VC Meudon) (47-28) +12-08. Disabled.- Simon Richardson (VC St Raphael) 49-05.