Southend Wheelers notched a string of fine placings at circuit races in Eastway, London, promoted by Gravesend Cycling Club.

Bob Barber was one of six riders to break clear and finish one minute ahead of the rest of the field in the veterans' 25-mile race.

However, Barber was left in fifth place after the final sprint, won by Edgware's Sean Bannister.

Dean Shannon came fourth in the ensuing junior race, one place ahead of team-mate Kevin Barker, after both had avoided a big crash with 200 metres to go.

National Junior Sprint champion John Taylor, of Woolwich, won the race. Both races enjoyed warm weather, but a nagging wind meant an arduous climb up Oxo Hill each lap.

Meanwhile, the Wheelers hosted a 25-mile time trial on the A13-based E4 course, starting at Bulphan, where dry conditions produced a victory time of 58 mins 32 seconds for Colin Wilgress.

Second-placed Mick Hut-son clocked one hour exactly, while 1.1.11 earned third spot for Peter Cooper.

The next three places were filled by Keith Dalton (1.1.30), Dave Ross (1.1.51) and Mick Hennessy (1.3.18).

Behind them came Chris Papouis (1.5.27), rob shore (1.6.08), Martin Lander (1.8.08), Arthur Knowler (1.8.41), Peter Chapman (1.9.59) and Colin Rodd (1:18.11).

The Wheelers spent the bank holiday weekend defending their record of seven straight wins in the three-day Counties Fest-ival. Their aim this year is a top-three place.

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