Clifton cyclists on road to success (From York Press)

Clifton cyclists on road to success

9:49am Saturday 16th July 2011 in Cycling

THE annual Clifton Cycling Club road race saw an excellent day of racing across four different age group categories, with competitors battling a tricky circuit near North Newbald, writes Jake Farrell.

The morning was reserved for veteran riders and in the 40-49 age group race, an early breakaway was hauled in by the hard work of Clifton pair Cam Brooks and Richard Douthwaite, the latter taking third place despite puncturing in the last few kilometres.

In contrast to the first race, the 50-59 and 60-plus races both featured small breakaway groups that stayed clear to the finish. Keith McKay, of VC York, took second in his age group.

The afternoon saw the turn of the riders in the fourth, third or second categories to get out on the road.

A tough hill saw the field split early on into the six laps of the grueling course.

Eventually, second category rider David Shackleton, from Wilsons Wheels Race team, created a gap and went on to win.

Andy Beattie was second, with Matthew Williams third.