MORE than 20 sturdy Eve-sham Wheelers set off in wet conditions towards Upton--on-Severn last Sunday.

The A team embarked on a tough route into the Malvern Hills through Cropthorne, Flad-bury and Pershore before passing the National Trust property of Croome Court and on through Upton and bypassing traffic heading towards the Three Cou-nties Show.

Taking to the climbs they passed Eastington Hall and Welland Stones to climb up past Welland to Wych Cutting for a hard-earned coffee stop.

The return route was more direct taking in Upton, Defford and Elmley Castle to finish with 52 miles under their belts.

The club's B riders, boasting more than 150 years of cycling experience between them, took a more scenic route via Hinton, Elmley Castle, the Combertons and on to Tewkesbury.

They then crossed the river and back into the lanes passing the historic church at Bushley and climbing to Bredon School and on to Upton for a coffee stop.

With the rain now easing, the group of quality veterans followed a homeward route via Ryall, Strensham and Pershore completing 42 miles.

Next Wednesday evening, the club stages a ten-mile Time Trial starting at Teddington at 7pm. All are welcome to try and beat the best.

Sunday's club run is to Ship-ston, meet in the High Street at 9am.

Ben Stockdale enjoyed a good weekend when winning the Lea-mington Spa Series before moving on to the Midland Youth Tour.

The two-day race near Wolver-hampton saw him clinch second place in the hilly closed road circuit race stage before winning the hilly three-mile Time Trial.

The event moved to RAF Cosford the next day when competitors faced two challenges on a technical course around the camp.

In the opener, Stockdale just watched his main rivals and finished fifth still leading overall.

The last race was a tactical affair with riders attacking the leader all the time. However, the Vale cyclist rode a sensible ride to finish seventh and claim first place overall.

Brother Tom also rode well finishing sixth overall after four tough stages.