THE Birmingham Wheels Circuit was the venue for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club's racing last weekend, the events being held to replace many races lost due to the foot and mouth epidemic or indeed the weather.

The first race for under-16s saw several Olympique riders in action, some for the first time ever on road or their first race this year.

Alex Billington was highest placed, riding strongly throughout to beat one of his strongest rivals by inches to take second place.

Ross Dingley was next in sixth place, holding on grimly to the leaders for much of the race. Peter Banham on his new bike was next.

He had a bad start, the leading group attacking from the drop of the flag leaving Pete a lot of chasing to do.

He worked hard though, staying with Red Kite's Euan Adams and no doubt enjoyed the sprint for the line which no one could give the verdict on.

Emily Seal rode her first ever circuit race, finding the long hard hill and the lack of working gears a little difficult to say the least. Nevertheless, she didn't give up and finished the race as third girl behind the highly experienced Kimberley Blythe and Nikki Harris.

In the seniors, Alan Dyus ploughed a lonely furrow for most of the race to take ninth place with brother Ian in 13th.

Other members took part in a long distance Audax event to the Peak District, with Malcolm Phipps and Derek Yapp doing 125 and 90 miles respectively.

The club run went to Worcester Country Park, by a route avoiding closed roads.

Several club weekends away are organised for the summer.

For more details phone Ian on (01527) 833847.