Top ten finish

9:41am Thursday 26th June 2008

Stourbridge Velo-Cycles' star Wayne Baker (pictured) captured a top 10 placing in the world trike time trial championship in Belgium. Asse, near Brussels.

Three-wheel expert Baker finished just 18 seconds off a medal and 41 seconds behind the winner as he finished the tough Asse course in 8 minutes and 38 seconds for seventh spot.

Riders were faced with a demanding five kilometre test, including three speedy 30mph descents and a challenging 300 metre climb, as well as tricky switchbacks through the town centre.

Twice a silver medallist in the championship, the Stourbridge Velo rider was hoping to land a top six position, just missing his target. However he did have the satisfaction of heading home British Paralympic squad member and world champion David Stone, beating the Beijing-bound rider by three seconds.

Victory in the event went to Bristol's Dave Keene, who successfully defended his title, with Belgium riders taking the other medal positions.

Baker managed to break away as part of a select group of seven riders including the medal favourites.

But he suffered on the main climb of the race, repeatedly suffering wheel spin from his one-wheel drive and gradually slipping away to finish 16th.

The Velo rider now begins the build-up to the national 10-mile trike time trial championship in September in Leicestershire.

On the domestic scene, Baker's team mate Dave Birch chalked up his fourth victory of the season when he pedalled to an impressive 54.59 to take the Chester Road Club's 25-mile race.

He confirmed his good form, followed up with second place in the Oswestry Paragon 10-mile race.