CYCLISTS from across the country gathered for the seventh edition of The Halesowen Road Race last Sunday.

The annual event covers 70 miles and is held on the Astley Circuit near of Stourport.

The contest was won in fine style by Richard Harris of Cwmcarn Paradon with Stourbridge rider Tom Swingler, riding for Ystwyth Cycling Club, finishing just one second down.

Swingler is due to finish studying at Ystwyth University in the near future and will then be riding for Halesowen Cycling Club and should prove a great boost to the team.

Although the Halesowen team of Sam Dighton, Joe Hobbs, Charles Walker, Patrick and Will Fotheringham rode with great determination the highest placing by the men in purple was Dighton who finished in 17th position. Walker was forced to abandon the race after feeling unwell half way through the tough event and it is hoped he will soon recover.

The race covered five laps of an undulating circuit taking in the villages of Astley, Dunsley, Great Witley, Holt Fleet and Shrawley and took the main field of 77 starters just two hours, 43 mins and 42 seconds.

Four time world pursuit champion and club patron, Hugh Porter, MBE, together with life member Bernard Higginson were on hand to present the prizes following the race.

Local sports followers will recall Bernard, together with his late brother Stan, were two of the outstanding 25 mile time trial riders of their generation, breaking many national records and were known in cycling simply as The Higginson Twins.

This Sunday morning will see the West Midland Regional Road Race Championships being held on the outskirts of Bridgnorth and will include all the top riders from within the West Midlands.