Palmer takes 7th, while Cowland picks himself out of the nettles

www.cyclingbargains.com racing teamTeams David Palmer and Mike Cowland rode Icknield RC Compomotive road race last weekend in strong winds.

Palmer attacked early in the race showing his strong form and was later joined by another group of riders including the ever vigilent Cowland. The break of 14 riders worked well to stay clear of the field until Cowland crashed landing heavily in a ditch of nettles. He was later able to join the main bunch but after 65miles it was Mike Jackson of CC Luton who was first to the line with Palmer holding on for 7th. Cowland was left rueing what might have been as he led the bunch home in 13th place.

Meanwhile on the same weekend www.cyclingbargains.com racing teams Andy Swain and Jon Crookes rode the Rockingham Forest 2 day. Missing the 8 man break that went clear on the final lap of stage one Swain came home in 15th behind stage winner Chris Garner from Zenith. Crookes suffered a slipped chain on the 2nd lap and had to chase hard to remain in the race. On stage 3 Swain was on fire in the time trial, catching Crookes for 1min and going on to take 7th on the stage which lifted him into the top 10 overall. On the tough windy hilly final stage Swain finished 13th as a break went clear early on containing most of the top riders. Swain finished 13th overall and Crookes 31st.

Carl Dyson returns to the NCRA race series on tuesday night as preparation for the Ras. Dyson said, "in the Ras the team is vital and after the help
Dave and Mike gave me in the Leicester 2 day I am going to enjoy riding for them in the NCRA for a change." Other team members of www.cyclingbargains.com racing team, Ben Jeeves, Andy Swain, Mike Cowland, Dave Palmer and Rod Freeman will also ride the event on Tuesday night at Old.