THE weekend started on a high note for Bromsgrove Olympique at Halesowen last Friday evening when several Olympique riders took top placings in their events.

Craig Talbot, from Gloucester, maintained his successful form in his first season when he took two seconds and a third place. Ross Dingley did even better when he escaped from the main group on the second lap, staying out in front for the whole event to take a comprehensive win.

Alex Billington won the time-trial and had first-three placings in his other events. Jason Dingley also took good places in the freewheelers section and Heather Wilcox also showed great improvement in her fitness.

Many riders are now taking it a bit easier for a few weeks prior to the start of the Cyclo-Cross season.

Several rode the North Worcestershire Leukaemia bike ride on Sunday, with six-year-old Jason Dingley managing the 26-miles with ease, along with several young friends from Halesowen A & CC.

Others keen for a bit of off-road training rode the superb 'Hell of the North Cotswolds', which had been postponed from earlier in the year due to foot and mouth problems.

Over 800 riders took part in the event and despite a flight over the handlebars for Olympique's Tony Boyle, the 90 kilometre event was generally enjoyed by everyone.

Several young riders rode the last Summer Series Mountain Bike event near Shrewsbury.

Will Gouldbourne rode very well to finish fourth, giving him third place overall in the series. Peter Yates rode both the downhill on Saturday and the cross-country on Sunday, with top ten placings in both. Next Friday sees the final Halesowen Track League for this year. On Saturday Alex Billington and Ross Dingley will be riding in the final event of the Rivals Net talent spotters league at Manchester Velodrome -- only open to the top ten points scorers nationally.

Other club riders will be competing in the British Schools Cycling Associations regional circuit race championships at Curborough sprint circuit.