Fabulous Baker boys set the pace

ON MONDAY, the Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club held the 10th round of their popular Evening 10 series.

After record entries in the previous two rounds, Monday's windy conditions led to a reduction in the field, with just 30 riders taking the start. Among them were two tandems entered in the club's annual tandem 10 challenge.

Peter Baker is currently leading the overall series, but for the night teamed up with his son, 17-year-old Tom, on the family tandem.

Displaying the efficiency of these machines, they flew round the rolling 10-mile course in a super fast 22min 08sec.

Their time was about 1½ minutes faster than Peter's best solo ride of the series and over 2½ minutes quicker than Tom's best individual effort.

The other tandem was ridden by Nick Reed, with the Wanderers' road racing secretary, Chris Hough, on the back.

They completed their ride at a much more leisurely pace, stopping the clock at 30:15.

Peter Barling was the fastest of the solo riders, recording 24:24. He was followed home by Matt Coombs (24:32) and Andy Denyer (24:39).

Other times: Mike Levett 24:42, Dominic Lowden 24:45, Andy Comben 25:06, Alan Lloyd 25:19, Duncan Fuller 25:19, Chris Martin 25:26, Alan Lester 25:33, Ian Landless 25:52, Hugh Procter 26:01, Bob Evans 26:12, John Mankelow 26:56, Bob Coleman 27:23, Pail Hanratty 27:51, Stephen Long 28:28, John Gallsworthy 29:56, Adrian Hills 30:26, Horry Hemsley 31:19, Martin Sully 31:21. Anne Locke 31:55.

On Sunday, nine Wanderers were down to ride the Southborough and District Wheelers 25.

On a day described by one rider as brutal, Mike Levett was top Lewes man, finishing in 1hr 03min 51sec, while a slightly below-par Peter Baker was next up in 1.05.01 and Tom Baker's 1.08.46 was a new personal-best time.

John Mankelow did 1.09.59 and Helen Millier finished in 1.10.51.

For more information about Lewes Wanderers, go to www.leweswanderers.co.uk.