RETURNING to competition after the trials and tribulations of organising the Club's annual road races at Mentmore the previous weekend, Kenton Road Road Club's Des Gayler rode in Sunday's West London Combine 25 mile time trial on the undulating Amersham Road.

On a beautiful, sunny morning, but with a strong breeze against them to the halfway turn at Great Missenden, the 45 starters did have a fast run back to the finish after the hard 12-mile slog.

Des finished in 1.0.46 for sixth place, but disappointed he did not beat the hour due to lack of fitness.

As he explained after finishing: "I was managing 30-35mph on the return, but couldn't get anywhere near that on the way out."

Race winner, in a fast 56.28, was John Warnock (Twickenham CC).