WEAVER Valley cyclists are emerging from lockdown to resume club runs and racing.

The club’s star female rider Emily Martin was rewarded for a year of dedicated lockdown training with a personal best and a club record in the Buxton CC/Sett Valley Cycles 10-mile time trial on a course along the Chapel-en-le-Frith bypass.

She was the second woman home in 23.13 (25.8mph average), pipped to the post by Keri Parton from Pro Vision CC in 22.38.

In the meantime, Sam Taylor produced a great ride to come in 10th in the men’s competition in a time of 21.08, with Andrew Bradbury from Congleton CC winning in 19.40 (30.5mph average).

Young Weaver Valley rider Patrick Lucas rode the Darley Moor British Cycling circuit race, coming in a creditable fifth in a competitive field despite having to swerve off course to avoid a crash caused by riders touching wheels.

Novice racer Jeff Wood has been competing in the UCLAN Bowland Vets Criterium League and despite making it regularly into breaks, he hasn’t yet placed in the final sprints and came 20th in his last race.

The club’s own Wednesday night 10-mile time trial is attracting good numbers and some excellent times.

Last week’s edition saw Matthew Heath with the fastest time (22.14), just pipping Andy Milligan (22.56) into second place. Claire Thompson produced the best female time in 27.01.

Colin Carthy and Claire Thompson are currently leading both the scratch and the Guardian Cup handicap competitions with six events still to go.

Club activities are being run in accordance with government COVID guidelines across various disciplines – road riding and racing, time trials, mountain bike and gravel bike riding.

Potential new members are welcome and are encouraged to visit the club website or Facebook page, where they can find out more about the club including how to join.