IN an exciting climax to Saturday's cycling showdown, Bristol-based Giles Hembrough won the Cricklade Festival Road Race in a sprint to the finish.

A field of 60 set off for 11 laps of a 5km circuit in perfect weather in an event promoted by Swindon RC, and the first to break clear was Swindon RC's Dean Barrett.

He led for most of the fifth lap until caught on the run in to Cricklade before a lone attack by a Chippenham Wheelers rider began to look promising.

The Swindon club's Australian rider, Rob Merrison, reacted swiftly to bridge the gap and the two riders combined their efforts to open up a sizeable gap over the main bunch.

As they ascended Common Hill, it was clear Merrison was the stronger of the two. With the Chippenham man unable to maintain the pace, Merrison extended his gap on the descent through Chelworth.

Realising the danger, a serious chase was now on, and a very fast lap saw Merrison back in sight and eventually reeled by the pack.

The main attacking parts of the course were the undulations through Chelworth.

A number of solo attacks came in the latter stages of the race, none of which had any real impact and, with one lap to go, it all looked set for a sprint finish.

As riders approached Crick-lade for the last time, the dash for the finish line just before the Leisure Centre roundabout was full on with Hembrough, of the www.bikeshop.uk team taking the win with just enough left to acknowledge victory.

In second spot was Stuart Hopkins (Maestro/Fircroft) and, in a very close third, came Julian Frankland (Cheltenham and County CC).

Best of the Swindon RC riders were Rob Merrison and Dean Barrett who placed fourth and fifth, making up for their earlier unsuccessful efforts.

With such a closely contested finish, next year's race may be longer in distance with the finish at the top of Common Hill which should make life easier for the judges.

For more information about Swindon Road Club, please contact Bryan Telford on 01793 726020 or visit www.swindon-rc.co.uk