Gary McDonald closed the points gap on the league leader in Ludlow Cycling Clubs latest round of the time-trial league.

Dover Disney is still ahead in the overall league but another superb ride by Gary closed the gap by a further two points by riding to a well deserved third place.

Mechanical fault

Chris Williams was the fastest rider on the night and took first place for Ludlow, aided by Climb On Bikes rider Phil Mason having a mechanical fault and pulling out of the event on lap one of the hilly Ashford circuit.

His team-mate Wendy Hall fought hard to hold on to a one second lead at the end of the first lap but ended in second place after a valiant effort to win the event.

Ludlows Malcolm Fanner has been improving steadily all season with a rigorous training schedule, including cycling to and from work over the hills of Clows Top and Abberley.

It has paid off and Malcolm broke the 30 minute barrier and took fourth place to move himself up the league table. Phil Weaver found trouble on the Ashford bridge as a puncture caused him to topple off when the blown tyre wrapped itself into the front forks. After his excellent start to the road racing season he will have to sit out the next few weeks competition to recover from his injuries.

Full results were: Chris Williams, 28:25; Wendy hall, 28:45; Gary McDonald, 29:02; Malcolm Fanner, 29:40; Dover Disney, 30:00; Neal Deller, 30:04; Dave Heaven, 30:04; Andrew Seabourne, 30:21; Greg Smith, 30:47; Phil Smart, 33:06; Geoff Hudson, 34:11; Hannah Griffiths, 34:51; Paul Byard, 35:28; Julie McDonald, 36:51.