CYCLISTS had to take to an altered route at the weekend for the Wheelbase Spring Classic with some roads still closed from the December floods.

There were 130 riders split across two routes to brave the poor starting conditions, but the sun did come out eventually. After a foggy climb up Shap the riders were rewarded with warmer riding weather which revealed some spectacular views.

The route included a timed hill climb up Shap starting from Crookdale beck and climbing two miles to the summit.

The fastest time on the day for the long course was posted by Niall Paterson of Honister ’92 in 3:34 followed by Paul Hetherington 3:48 and Tom Ridding 3:59. Leading the ladies home was Colt member and MyTri supported athlete Kerry Oldfield in 4:37. Second was Jessica Dawson-Coates who completed the course in 4:47, followed by Velo Cumbria rider Siobhan Brewer in 5 hours.

The fastest time for the short route was Graham Oatridge in 2:55 followed by Harvey Thompson in 2:57 and David Avis with a time of 2:59. Valerie O’Donnell completed the course in 3:12 with Heather Dixon in second taking 3:18 and Rachel Brabbs in third in 3:20.