One of the most prestigious early season cycling events in the North of England, the Circuit of the Dales, took place last weekend.

This classic fifty mile time trial was first run as an open event in 1947 and has a long list of illustrious winners headed up by former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer and former Olympic champ- ion Chris Broadman.

Starting near Ingleton the route takes in Burton-in-Lonsdale, Cantsfield, Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedburgh, Hawes and then back to Ingleton via Newby Head and Ribble Head giving over 3300 feet of climbing over the 50 miles.

Ilkley’s Katherine Church continued her great start to the 2013 season by winning the ladies category in 2-41-10.

She was pushed all the way by Penny Gardiner of Clevedon & District RC with Ilkley’s Leanne Farrow third in 2:49:31, with Emily Hallworth (3:10:57) fourth.

In the men’s event Ben Hallworth produced another good ride to take 11th overall in 2:11:29 with Ewan Farrow not too far behind in 2-14-31.

Riding their first 50 mile time trial. Ilkley’s third counter in the team event was David Kinloch in 2:17:51.

Dave Leckenby recorded a similar time to his 2012 ride posting 2:24:-43.

Tom Andrews continued his excellent first season of racing with fifth place in a road race in Tameside which has now moved him up to become a third category rider.

He becomes Ilkley’s third rider to be promoted this year following Neil Rollin’s promotion to thirdrd category and Ben Hallwoth’s prom- otion to second category last weekend.

This weekend sees the Club promoting their annual open ten-mile time trial on the Addingham to Draughton course.

Many of the Ilkley riders looking to continue their early season form.