GAVIN Poupart held off a strong challenge from Adrian Bird and Chris McSweeney to win the Worcester St John's Cycle Club's 30-mile mid-week time trial.

With a strong head wind to the turn, conditions were not ideal but the St John's elite road-racer returned 1.11.07 for the course.

Bird was over two minutes down in 1.13.31 and McSweeney a further minute adrift in 1.14.44.

In private trials, Evesham junior Tom Brazier took fourth place in 1.18.49 and Jake Straw fifth place in 1.18.58.

The veterans' race was close, with Pete Jansen's 1.19.53 just three seconds too fast for John Callaghan.

Richard Witherall and Dave Walker dead-heated for eighth place in 1.22.15, and Mark Brazier completed the top ten with 1.22.20.

A strong ride saw Sarah Emerson take first place in the ladies' race on 1.25.10 from Ros Hope 1.33.57, and Gail Flanaghan 1.40.24.

In France, Roger Alma competed in the Poitou-Charentes international tricycle challenge at Saint Marsault.

He managed to take sixth place in the 25 kilometres time-trial.

On a sporting course, first place went to the Tricycle Association's Kent Hallington in 37.05.

Hallington was only two minutes down on Steve Brown's course record set in 1999.

His effort came inspite of strong wind and a hail-storm during the race.

Stourbridge rider Wayne Baker was just 18 seconds adrift, with Steve Avery of Didcot Phoenix third in 39.35.

The best French rider was Gilbert Lepage in eighth position.

Annie Tavernier and Pascal Girard won the tandem trike event from France taking first spot from Greta Spiers and Les Lowe.