Pugh collects blackley prize

SCORING his first victory of the season in the North West Cyclo-Cross League, Rob Pugh took first place in a tough race at Bogart Hole Clough on Sunday.

The FP Mailing CT rider took the lead on the first lap of a tough 1.3-mile circuit around the Blackley venue, and held on throughout the near-hour long race.

He was gamely chased by Wheelbase RT team-mates Lewis Craven and Stuart Reid, but neither could catch Pugh.

The junior race was won by Go Sports Spex rider Tom Lowe with fourth place overall, while Paul Whatmough was best of the veterans with ninth overall.

Dozens of younger riders were in attendance at the fun event, with many newcomers trying out the sport.

While Pugh enjoyed the victory on Sunday, he had to settle for third in the previous day’s race at Clayton Vale, Manchester, where Yorkshire’s Scott Thwaites (Crosstrax) won by around two minutes from Sports Bean-Wilier rider Richard Wilkinson.

Pugh crossed the line 3-08 behind Thwaites, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, while he held off Arctic Premier RT rival Simon Wilson for the final spot on the podium by 1-24.

Red Rose Olympic youngster Jack Humphreys came out on top in the youth race, while Ribble Valley RC’s Tom Armstrong was just inches behind in second spot.