Entries were up on last year for Clatterbridge Cancer Research’s Circle of Hope race as more than 200 cyclists took part.
The charity is still counting money made through the event, organisers say that it is likely to be the best year to date.
The race was won by Nigel Brooks from Llangollen in a stunning five and a half hours.
The charity’s Circle of Hope cycling race ambassador, 12 year old Christian Smith, turned in a terrific performance, finishing in just under seven hours.
The race offered cyclists from all over Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales the opportunity to choose from 15, 50 or 100 mile routes to take part in the event.
It started and finished at Hope Village in Flintshire, and helped to raise funds for cancer research carried out in the region, parts of which have the UK’s worst cancer survival rates.
Before the race Christian, from Rossett, was adamant he would beat last year’s time, and he did.
Last year, at just 11, Christian and dad David, who live in Rossett, registered for CCR’s annual Circle of Hope bike ride which starts and ends in the North Wales village of Hope.
Organisers were shocked that Christian particularly wanted to ride the challenging 100-mile route rather than the alternative 50-mile one.
The 100-mile course was judged too testing for youngsters under 12, but David assured everybody his son would cope and that he would stick with him all the way.
In fact, Christian breezed across the finish line on his own in just 7 hours 35 minutes, complaining he’d had to leave his Dad behind as he was slowing him down.
Samantha Archibald, Events Co-ordinator for CCR said: “We were absolutely astonished. It was a fantastic achievement for somebody so young, especially as he looked to be still bursting with energy.”
This year’s event is in May and Christian hopes to complete the 100-mile course in less than seven hours – he has no intention of waiting for his dad this time.
“I want to do my best possible time, so if my dad can’t keep up, then that’s just too bad,” said the Darland High School pupil, whose ambition is to take part in the Tour de France.
Hard Days night hotel launches afternoon tea
(Wed 23/05)
Pleasureland hosts Planet Circus
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment