THE Cyclists were in top form again to retain the Markham Cup at Friday Woods.

More than 120 competitors welcomed the return of the annual Runners vs Cyclists event on Boxing Day morning, after a one-year absence due to Covid-19.

The traditional event, which first took place in 1930, is always greeted with plenty of interest over the Christmas period and this year there was once again a large gathering of spectators.

Course conditions this year were wet and muddy with persistent morning rain adding to the already saturated Friday Woods Course.

It made it a tough challenge for all the brave competitors taking part.

For the main Men's Senior three-lap race, the Cyclists were in fine form to claim the Markham Cup.

The superb Cameron Hurst flew around the four-mile course in style to come home a comfortable winner in 18m 33s to clinch a magnificent fifth consecutive victory, an outstanding achievement.

He was followed home by another talented cyclist, Daniel Hall, who gave a good account of himself in second place in 20m 48s.

The Cyclists packed the top six, with Andy Hurst (3rd, 21m 34s), Connor Price (4th, 23m 23s), Oliver Edwards (6th, 23m 56s) and Carl Simmons (9th, 24m 18s) impressing.

The first Runner home was the hard-working Ben Felton, (5th, 23m 34s), followed by 7th, Angus Holford (24m 05s), 8th, Cameron Humphreys (24m 08s), 10th, Tom Gifford (24m 27s), 11th, Chris Sellens (24m 35s) and 12th, Andrew Jobling (24m 53).

The Women's two laps of the woods event was dominated by the Runners.

First woman home was the determined Lydia Callan in (18m 24s), while in second was young talented Lizzie Wellstead (18m 29s) and the skilful Laura Hillyard was third (18m 28s).

The Junior Race for one lap was a triumph for Isaac Starmer (cyclist) in 8m 28s.