WORCESTER'S top veteran road racer Marcus Walker had a packed, but frustrating, weekend racing just missing out on a win.

Walker first competed in Gloucester City Cycling Club's race based on a course at Staunton.

The hot humid weather made for slow, negative racing and Walker bided his time in the bunch saving his energy for the inevitable mass bunch finish.

The short, steep climb to the finish line strung the bunch out, but the line came too soon for Walker who crossed in second place, unable to catch the winner.

The following day Walker competed in the Mike Green Memorial race near Stratford.

The race was won by Bristol's Nick Watson who escaped the bunch with just two miles remaining and managed to hang on by just five seconds as the bunch, headed by Walker, vainly attempted to catch him.

In the ensuing charge for second place Walker was beaten by two others to finish in fourth place.

In the Worcester St. John's CC Clearkenleap ten-mile time trial, Mick Potter took the win in 23-29, with Nick Toy over a minute back.

Third placed rider John Callaghan was also the fastest veteran with 24-55, with next veteran Martin Staines exactly a minute behind Callaghan.

Sarah Emmerson continued her domination of the women's series clocking 26-19 to beat rival Maureen Burrows with 27-06.

Other times: Steve Potter 25.09; Carl Burnell 25.19; Jon Starkey 25.57; Neil Ashton 26.23; Rick Allen 27.49; Gail Flanaghan 28.35; Doug Dring 28.43; Dave Preece 28.59; Alex Preston 29.06; Ros Hope 29.26; Helen Wootton 29.56; Gordon Chamberlain 29.35; Andrew Leeming 31.29.