THERE is a record entry of 75 riders forthis Sunday's Lakeland Land Rover Coniston Grand Prix fromTorver.

The 20-mile hilly time trial, promoted by Barrow CentralWheelers/North West Cycle Sport/Kirkby Bathrooms, incorporates the JohnMortimer Memorial time trial and is part of the Lakes and LancashireSporting Courses Competition.

Riders start from Torver at minuteintervals from 10am on a circular route taking in Broughton, GrizebeckHill, Lowick and Blawith before climbing back up to Torver.

There isbound to be a new title-holder this year as previous winner Gathin Butleris a non-starter. Scratchmen on Sunday are Barrow Central's own Mark Lacey(number 50); Barrow-based Kent Valley star Jonathan Evans (No. 60) andPendle Forest flier Graham Waddington (No. 70). Others to watch out forare Cleveleys' Craig Miller (No.20) and Derek Parkinson (No.45); Hawick'sDavid Henderson (No.25) and West Pennine veteran John Bunting(No.40).

Top lady should be Swaledale CC's Cumbrian star KarenSteele (No.61) and Kent Valley junior David Everett (No.36) could be setfor a time tussle with Matt Hodges (No.71) of Ribble Valley CRC,especially on the separately-timed ascent of Grizebeck. Awards will bepresented afterwards at Torver Village Hall.

Kent Valley veteranGeoff Newcombe enjoyed two victories at the Manchester Velodrome on Fridayand has moved up to eighth place overall in the Friday night league. Hewon the unknown distance race (2.5 kilometres); the 20-lap scratch event(5k); and the opening round of the 500 metres sprint before going out inthe semi-final against the eventual winner. He was also third in thekilometre race.

Riders in the latest Kent Valley Club 10 atMilnthorpe had to contend with traffic lights and driving sleet on theoutward leg. As a result, the course was shortened to 9.7 miles but thatwas balanced by the cold and wet conditions to produce the usual crop oftimes.

Fastest on the night was Derek Hayes in 24-56 from RichardBelk on 25-03 and Tony Dixon on 25-47. Fastest woman was Sharon Padleywith 27-24 and Heather Addison made a notable debut, clocking 28-27 in herfirst ever time trial.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.