A TEAM of riders from Somerset Road Club took part in the Prudential Ride London last weekend.

The 100-mile sportive, which attracts nearly 30,000 riders, takes place during a weekend festival of cycling in the capital including men’s and women’s pro UCI road races.

Representing Somerset Road Club with an official team place were Wayne Martin-Hitchcott and Darren Webb, both from Taunton, and Adam Laws, from Bridgwater, who started at 5.45am in the first wave of riders.

Adam Laws, who finished in 4.09 hours, said: “Torrential overnight rain made for very difficult early conditions with standing water and debris on the course. 

“Wayne was unfortunate to suffer a puncture after 15 miles but had already put us in a strong position in the front group and we were all happy with our times.”

Wayne crossed the line in 4.30 hours with fellow club member Clive Franklin, and Darren finished with an impressive time of 3.59 hours, completing the course in under four hours for the second year running.

New club chairman Geoff Ballard and his wife Emma, from Shapwick, spent their first wedding anniversary taking part in the event - Emma raised £350 for the Samaritans. 

Tony Stroud-Lewis, 59, from Bridgwater, also completed the course in an impressive 4.36 hours.