THE VINTAGE Tankard is a tri-annual event that has run since just after the Second World War. This year was Ross & District Cycling Club's turn to host it, with riders from Royal Forest of Dean CC and Newport Phoenix competing.

Held on a 6.5-mile circuit around Much Marcle, the three laps took their toll on the unfit riders, with the fit not really being fazed. In perfect conditions, slight frost, but warm air and no wind, timekeeper Julie Stephens started the field of 23 riders. The tankard trophy is presented to the team with the fastest combined time from their best six riders. Alan Cook of Ross led the way after a slow and shaky start to set a new course record of 45:46. The second Ross rider was Paul Fallon who surprised

himself with a ride which re-wrote the expected pecking order, knocking

ex-club fast man, Jerry Roberts, down to third. The Forest cycling club

could not compete with the outright speed of Alan Cook, but they produced

several consistently fast times to retain the Tankard, beating Ross by six minutes.Big Bob Parry, almost a pensioner, was the Forest's top rider, beating his more youthful team mates Alan Jones and Dave Evans who equalled on time. Bob was also the most consistent rider for the three laps, with only 1 second difference between each of his laps. The rider of the day was Paul Fallon, this was one of his most notable rides. With the coming season's races due to start later in the month, log onto http://www.rossonwye.cyclists.co.uk">www.rossonwye.cyclists.co.uk for more info about club racing and social events