WHEELBASE'S Rob Jebb once again headed a full field of almost 1,000 riders in the annual Fred Whitton Challange cycling sportive over all of the Lake District's main mountain passes on Sunday.

A relatively calm, cool morning produced a crop of outstanding performances as riders from all over Britain and abroad tackled the infamous ascents and descents of the Kirkstone, Honister, Whinlatter, Harknott and Wrynose passes on a 112-mile road circuit from Coniston.

In memory of Lakes Road Club's legendary secretary Fred Whitton, the ride annually raises thousands of pounds for charity and is generally regarded as the daddy of all cycling sportives in this country, and is certainly among the toughest.

Rob Jebb danced on his pedals to cover the distance in 5hrs 47mins - a minute clear of High Wycombe's Simon Jackson and Andy Peace of Crosstrax. Local riders who beat the magical seven hours were: Chris Herbert (Evans Cycles) 6-05; Andy Sudall (Lakes RC) 6-09; Steve Clarke, Ian Palmer and Nic Smith (all Whleebase) on 6-10; Alan Goldsmith (Kendal) 6-21; Stuart Wilson (Wheelbase) 6-46; Stuart Walker (Lakes RC) 6-47; Danny Clahane (Kendal) 6-56; and Rick Stuart (Sedbergh) 6-59.

Helen Jackson (unattached) was the fastest woman rider in 6-33 but Emma Brunning (LDNP) rode 7-11 and Judith Irving (Kent Valley RC) did 7-22.

For a full list of Fred Whitton finishers and their times, check out fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk Kendal youngster Eve Dixon moved up to third girl under 16 after the third round of Cycling Development North West's youth league races at the Salt Ayre cycling circuit in Lancaster on Saturday. Racing against the boys, Eve - who rides for the Cog Set junior team based at Lancaster - finished 12th and 10th in her two races.

Jack Saddler (Wheelbase) is fourth U16 boy overall in the seven-event series after being runner-up and then fifth at Salt Ayre. John Didsbury (Cog Set) was ninth and fifth in the under 14s races and moves up to fifth overall before the fourth round in Liverpool on June 5.

Kent Valley's latest midweek club 10 miles time trial was a triumph for junior Jonathon Knox in 22-56. Ian Jackson led the rest of the leading riders with 24-35. Chris Dixon and Andrew Barlow both did 24-38. Other top times were: Tim Bennett 24-50; Glen Howarth 26-09; and Tony Dixon 26-18.