The local cycling scene got under way on Sunday with the Hardriders event at Folksworth and saw great performances and big surprises. The event is run jointly by the Peterborough Cycling Club and the Fenland Clarion and although the prizes are kept separate for each club, there is great prestige attached to being the overall fastest on the day. One of the early starters was Fenland Clarion's Martin Jones, who set a tremendous pace around the 21 mile course to clock a time of 57 mins and 29 secs. With 25 riders still to finish, the question was already being asked whether anyone would be able to beat this time. Most riders were coming in well down on Jones' time, but Fenland Clarion's Lynden Leadbeater from Langtoft was setting a fantastic pace as he battled the freezing temperatures and strong winds. As he crossed the line he had turned in an exceptional time of 57 mins 09 secs to take the lead. Last years winner Chris Wright and Peterborough CC strong man John French both came in over 3 minutes down on Leadbeater and Jones, which only left pre-race favourite Jeremy Harrison in with a chance of winning. The Peterborough CC man had been laid low for a week with a cold and was finding it hard to find his rhythm over the first half of the course, loosing time to the leaders. However as he hit the hills of the final section Harrison, also from Langtoft, lifted the pace and the race headed for a nail biting finish. Harrison rocketed over the final 2 climbs but had left himself too much to do and although he bettered Jones' time, to make it a Langtoft first and second, he was still 13 seconds behind Leadbeater. Malcolm Smith was the only other rider under the 1 hour mark with 59.34, which highlights the great ride of the first 3 and especially Lynden Leadbeater.

Lynden Leadbeater	Jez Harrison