Paul Holdsworth, of Hounslow & DIstrict Wheelers, ended the cycling season a successful note by taking second place in the third and final event of Twickenham CC’s Winter Road Race Series, writes Chris Lovibond.

He was narrowly outsprinted by Festival RC’s Colin McDermott after the pair had been on their own for the last six laps of the 2.5-mile finishing circuit.

Holdsworth had started the action by breaking away on his own, but was rapidly joined by McDermott and the pair worked together to stay away from a strong chasing group.

Holdsworth said: “I know that circuit well and I know the best way to ride to hold off chasers: take it steady on the climbs and then push hard on the easy sections”.

His strategy worked until the last few yards, but nevertheless second place was a good result for him against a classy field which included a number of elite category riders.

The overall winner of the three race series was Lewis Atkins (Orbea-For Goodness Shakes). Holdsworth finished 12th.

Third race result: 1 Colin McDermott (Festival RC), 2 Paul Holdsworth, 3 Paul Edwards (Lightweight), 4 Andy Davies (Fit For), 5 James Stuart (Norwood Paragon) There were 29 finishers.

Hounslow has recently lost two very long standing members. They were Ethel Brambleby (born 1917) who died in September, and Alex Benn (born 1928) who died earlier this month.