HEREFORD Wheelers started their 2014 race programme with two well-supported races.

The first event, a 3 x 2mile sprint along the Roman Road which attracted 24 entries, was won by Climb on Bikes rider Nick Preece

In typical spring-like conditions with bright sunshine but with a strong head wind, Preece won with an aggregate time of 14minutes 19seconds and he also posted the fastest single leg time of 4min 44sec for the 2 mile course.

In second place with 14m36s was Wheeler Alex Haines and third was NFTO rider Steve King in 14m46s.

The women’s race was won by Kathryn King (NFTO) in 15m 35s from second-placed Sarah Lloyd Stephens, of Hereford Wheelers, in 15m43s. Fellow Wheeler Katie Price was third in 17m07s.

The youngest rider was Ceri Middleton riding his first race and who finished in eighth place overall in an excellent time of 15m26s.

The second event, over the challenging Weobley 19 mile Sporting course, was won by Climb On Bikes rider Paula Moseley, the reigning National Women’s Best All Rounder Champion.

The event was made tougher by the brisk head wind and cold rain showers but again 24 riders took part.

Moseley demonstrated her class with a time of 50m21s, nearly two minutes quicker than second-placed rider Guy Evans(Wheelers) in 52m48s and Alex Haines, third in 53m08s.

Second place in the women’s race was Lloyd Stephens in 59m36s with Debbie Clark third in 1hr 10m18s.

16-year-old Middleton again produced another excellent performance to record 54m54s and take sixth place.

Wheelers' next event is the Road Bike 10 mile Time trial at Allensmore on Thursday, April 3 at 6.30pm.