Wyman takes fifth in Cyclo-Cross World Cup

Wyman rides to World Cup fifth

British champion Helen Wyman rode strongly at Sunday's second World Cup round in Plzen to claim fifth, after a long battle with Pavla Havlikova.

"I'm happy with that; it was good to back up last week [where Wyman was sixth in the World Cup opener in Aigle] and show that I have good form, that it wasn't a fluke," she said.

"Compared to last week, it was a lot more boring though: a dry, muddy field, with lots of corners you can go full speed into, knowing you won't crash."

Ultimately, the British champion would like to get back on the podium at this level. "It's been two or three years since I last did that. And I'd like to make a difference at the next round in Koksijde [on November 27]. It's easier mentally there, as you just have to ride as hard as you possibly can."

While the world championships at the end of January remain Wyman's biggest goal for the year, she also expressed her desire to keep a high standing in the World Cup overall, as well as showing well at the European championships.

Sanne van Paassen took the race win, while Britons Nikki Harris finished 16th, with Gabby Day 25th.

As for the men's race, it was a familiar story, as Zdenek Stybar outpaced the rest.

Riding on home soil, the world champion extended his unbeaten streak to seven races, beating Belgian pair Kevin Pauwels and Niels Albert into second and third.

Sole British rider Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles) rode to 31st place, paying for a fast start before settling into a rhythm for the latter part of the race.

However, Field rode better last night, finishing sixth at the Nacht van Woerden night race. Under the Dutch lighting, Fidea youngster Tom Meeusen took the victory.

Wyman in action during the first round of the World Cup

Pro rider Dan Lloyd to meet Bournemouth fans

Bournemouth based cycling fans will get the chance to meet Garmin-Cervelo's Dan Lloyd on an evening to celebrate the construction of an Olympic sized track in the seaside city.

Local boy Lloyd, who is set to ride for newly crowned world champion Thor Hushovd next season, will answer questions, sign autographs and meet fans at a social night hosted by Bournemouth Arrow CC on Monday 8 November.

All proceeds raised from the evening will go toward the £26,000 budget required to buy items such as hire bikes and starting gates that will be necessary to kit out the new Bournemouth Cycling Centre.

Construction of Britain's first outdoor 250m track began at Slades Farm, Bournemouth in mid September and is expected to open for use by the community in May 2011.

As well as providing a track facility for Sir Chris Hoy wannabes, there will also be a grass infield, perfect for use as a start/finish point for winter cyclocross.

The evening begins at 7pm at the Hotel Collingwood, 11-13 Priory Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5DF.

For more information see www.bournemouth.cc

Downing brothers to host second ‘Out of the Saddle' evening

Cycling brothers Dean and Russell will present their popular "Out of the Saddle" evening in Rotherham on Saturday 6 November in aid of the Danny Porter Foundation.

One again the night will feature a buffet, auction, speeches and disco dancing with Eurosport's cycling commentator David Harmon lined up to host the popular evening at the Sitwell Park Golf Club, near Rotherham.

A mix of top current pros including Adam Blythe, Lizzie Armitstead, Kristian House and Ben Swift are scheduled to attend with former riders Malcolm Elliott and John Herety also on the guest list for the event.

Russell enjoyed a fantastic debut season with Team Sky this year, winning three ProTour races while brother Dean won several events for Rapha-Condor-Sharp on the domestic crit circuit.

The brothers have given their support to the Foundation which was set up in 2005 to raise fund to support cancer and neurological services in South Yorkshire.

Founder Danny Porter said: "Having two such great Yorkshire sportsmen supporting us with this event is fantastic and will help us continue to raise funds for cancer and neurological services in our area. I'm looking forward to joining Russell and Dean at the evening - as long as I don't have to race them there!"

For tickets and further information see www.dannyporterfoundation.org

Entries open for end to end challenge 2011

Entries have opened for the second Deloitte Ride Across Britain from John O'Groats to Land's End next summer in aid of Paralympic athletes.

Setting off from the Northernmost point of mainland Britain on Saturday 11 June 2011, riders will cycle over 950 miles of spectacular scenery, as they ride the length of the country in nine daily stages, finishing on the tip of Cornwall on Sunday 19 June 2011.

This year's inaugural event saw Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell and individual pursuit gold medallist Rebecca Romero join more than 600 riders on the ‘end to end' challenge along with Paralympians Sarah Storey, Barney Storey and Jody Cundy.

The ride raised more than £370,000 for charity ParalympicsGB.

All riders signing up for the epic ride will benefit from specifically tailored training plans, expert advice from bike mechanics, nutritionists and physios meaning that all they need to worry will be the pedalling.

For more information visit www.rideacrossbritain.com

Evans open new Wimbledon store

Evans Cycles have opened their 41st new store in Wimbledon, South West London to keep up with demand for bikes in the capital.

The new shop on Gladstone Road will stock more than 240 bikes from all the major brands over a large 10,000 m/sq showroom floor.

Five fully trained Cytech mechanics will be available to provide workshop repairs and free maintenance classes for local residents.

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