DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist and world pursuit champion Bradley Wiggins rode into a storm of controversy on Saturday when he attempted to beat his British 10 miles record on South Lakeland roads.

The Garmin-Slipstream rider, based in Chorley, was the star attraction in Kent Valley Road Club's Midsummer 10 miles time trial on the A590 between Levens and Meathop.

Cycling fans turned out in numbers to catch a glimpse of their sport's superstar in action but, sadly, a stiff breeze and heavy traffic at the Meathop roundabout put the brakes on Wiggins's record hopes, and he finished two seconds short of his record mark with a still sizzling time of 18 minutes exactly.

Controversy kicked in when someone then examined a digitally captured image of the Olympic star's bike.

His front wheel looked like an American made Zipp 1080, and that breaches Cycling Time Trials regulation 14 (g) which states that deep-rimmed wheels should have 45 per cent of their area open for safety reasons, just in case of strong cross-winds.

A complaint was made to CTT North District Mike Westmorland, who confirmed that Wiggins faced possible disqualification, pending a thorough investigation.

Professional rider Wiggins was using the Levens event as part of his preparation for the Tour de France prologue time trial in Monaco on July 4, where a Zipp 1080 wheel will be allowed - on closed roads - under international racing regulations.

Second fastest on Saturday was Jack Green (Westmead 88) who rode 20-41 ahead of Pendle Forest's Jason Bateman on 20-45.

Four more riders bettered 21 minutes and the fastest local was the host club's David Baxter with 21-23 in 12th place. Windermere's Carlo Berton (Border City) was not far behind with 21-38 and Chris Anderson (Lakes RC) clocked 21-40. Other leading local riders were: John Ingham (KV) 22-29; Martyn Uttley (Lakes RC) 22-51 and Ian Jackson (KV) 23-30.

Next morning's Edwin Howson Memorial 25, also using the A590, produced no fewer than 36 rides under the hour.

Robin Brennan (Preston CC) won with 54-19 and Chris Anderson was sixth at 56-09.

Kent Valey's Steve Hodgson set a personal best of 58-07 and John Ingham did 59-07. Tim Bennet (KV) rode 59-26 and clubmate Ian Jackson acheived a liftetime best of 1-00-07.

Kent Valley staged their club championship 25 on Levens last week and David Baxter sped to a new personal best of 55-30 despite another blustery evening.

Andrew Barlow was second with 58-25 and other leading times were: Steve Hodgson 58-34; Ben Lawson 1-00-00; Ian Jackson 1-00-56; Tim Bennett 1-01-24; Tom Gibson (J) 1-02-15; and Tony Dixon 1-03-14.

Those who may not feel up to racing, but still enjoy the thrill of riding in our beautiful countryside, still have the chance to enter the Three Counties Challenge sportive rides (120 miles, 62 miles or a 25-mile family ride) on July 5 from Dallam School, Milnthorpe.

The Kendal Rotary Club/Kent Valley Road Club organised rides are in aid of charity (mainly the North West Air Ambulance). See www.3countieschallenge.co.uk for details and how to enter.

OXENHOLME'S Lynn Hamel finished third in the women's national championship 50 miles time trial on a testing three-lap circuit at Holmes Chapel in Cheshire on Sunday. She rode 2hrs and 30 secs for bronze behind Julia Shaw (UTAG-Yamaha) who did 1-54-20 and Sarah Shaw (VC St Raphael) on 1-59-53. But, together with Sara Blackburn (2-18-43) and Diane Hulbert (2-21-53) Lynn led Team NCA to team gold.