LUDLOW rider Jack Warren came out on top in the annual running of the Climb On Bikes road race, but only by a photo finish.

A glorious warm but windy day greeted the 80 riders and the race started fast with breaks trying to form as soon as the flag was dropped in the lead car.

The first substantial attack was made by Luke Moseley of the Climb On Bikes team who went away with another rider and the pair soon got a gap.

Two more riders bridged to them and between them they stretched out a 40-second gap but the peleton eventually chased them down.

A few more breaks tried to go but the bunch were not going to let anyone get away today so on the final climb to the finish it was every man for himself before 18-year-old Warren won by the narrowest of margins.

The Climb On Bikes team had a difficult day, after working so hard all through the race they were unable to get a rider into the top ten. However, with Luke Moseley taking two of the three prime sprint prizes and also winning the most aggressive rider award it ended up being an enjoyable day.

"Having the roads repaired so efficiently by the Balfour Beatty road crews helped the race to complete without any pothole related injuries which blighted the event last year," said organiser Nick Preece.

Thanks to all the spectators who turned out to support the riders from the roadside. Their encouragement really is appreciated by everyone.

The Climb on Bikes CC Committee would like to thank Weatherseal Windows, Watkins and Thomas estate agents, Bishop and Smith Stainless Fabricators, Melcon Ltd, Millennium Glass, Luck Trading, Rees & Co, Homechoice Flooring and Tudors Building Supplies for their generous contributions which enabled the club to offer prize money for the top 10 placed riders and has also helped to cover this year’s extensive running costs. Also, a huge thank you to Climb On Bikes shop for donating the prizes and goodie bags for the sprints and rider awards.