GEORGE Fowler of McKinlays 1st Chard Wheelers took an excellent second place in the third round of the Kalas Winter League at RNAS Merryfield on Saturday.

A very strong Wheelers squad rode well as a team against a large field in the 3rd/4th category race and covered all the opposition breaks.

Their pressure paid off with Jacob Board also near the head of the field in fifth.

Rob Hogg battled his way to rode to a hard- fought ninth in blustery conditions but has lost the leader’s yellow jersey for the series by one point.

His place at the top of the leader board has been taken by Angus McAlister of Somerset Road Club.

With two rounds to go, team-mate Board said: “We are determined to get Rob back into yellow in February.”

Justin Dance again rode strongly and took a well-deserved tenth place. All four scored more national ranking points.

Max Hinds, who has just moved up to the Under-14 age group despite having only just turned 12, travelled to Derby to take part in the cyclo-cross national championships.

A very wet and muddy course with a stinker of a hill early in each lap soon sorted the field.

Hinds rode superbly well and kept battling to gain 25th place out of riders – a great effort considering his age.

The club’s first youth training ride took place on Saturday and was led by club coach Brandon Ellis. About 40 miles were ridden across Sedgemoor and the Blackdown hills.