SWINDON based Elite category rider Grant Bayton, riding for the Angliasport team, won the second round of the Cotswold League promoted by Dursley RC last week on the Milbury Heath circuit.

The first group of veteran and junior riders set off four minutes ahead of the second group of seniors, who were followed three minutes later by the scratch group containing Bayton.

At the end of the first of three 11-mile laps, the gap between the veterans' group and the scratch group was down to three minutes.

As the long climb up Millbury Heath took its toll on the riders, a group of 12 escaped and started the last lap one minute ahead of a fast-chasing bunch.

With less than one mile to the finish, the gap was bridged, by which time Bayton had made a solo effort to go clear for the win.

The remaining places were down to a bunch sprint with Swindon RC's Rob Merrison and Bryan Telford contesting the finish, with Chris Broad-Drake a few minutes down.

Next two rounds of the Cotswold League are both at the Castle Combe motor racing circuit, near Chippenham.

Tonight (Thursday) sees the Bristol RC event and the Swindon RC race is next Wednesday. Both start at 7.15pm.

Nick Mawson and Graham Messer tied for first place in the latest round of the Thursday evening time trial series.

Last week's blustery conditions and a tough crosswind on the ten-mile Latton course, meant slower times than usual for most.

Over 30 riders signed on for a time trial jointly promoted by Swindon RC and Corinium CC.

Swindon times as follows: N Mawson 24:18, G Messer 24:18, P O'Driscoll 24:20, J Jones 24:47, S Buckley 26:03, K Tilley (J) 26:29, R Pike (J) 26:38, R Patterson 27:03, T Morris (J) 27:11, A Evans 27-18, M Allen 27:23, D Higgs (J) 27:41, R Green 29:20. For more information about Swindon RC, contact Bryan Telford on 01793 726020 or visit www.swindon-rc.co.uk

Swindon RC are again promoting the Cricklade Festival Road Race on Saturday, June 21.

Race HQ is the Cricklade Leisure Centre in Stones Lane and is being officially started by the town crier in the High Street opposite the Red Lion at 10am.

This event has support from the Cricklade Festival Committee, the Cricklade Town Council and North Wiltshire Leisure Ltd.

Last year's race donated funds towards local Cricklade charities and this year's event is supporting Music Alive, a local charity based at Bentham House in Purton, Wiltshire.

Music Alive promotes the value of music in the lives of disabled people of all ages.

The race convoy of vehicles and cyclists will proceed to the Malmesbury Road roundabout and turn on to the B4040 where the racing begins in earnest.

A 5km circuit will take in Common Hill, Chelworth Upper Green and Chelworth Industrial Estate before returning to Cricklade on the B4553 Purton Road.

After 11 laps, the finish is on the B4040 just before the Cricklade Leisure Centre roundabout.

With each lap taking about eight minutes and a total distance of 55km, the finish is likely to be about 11.30am.

With 60 competitors entering from around the region, the event should be a fast, colourful and exciting one to watch.

The best vantage points are the climb on Common Hill, Chelworth and adjacent to the finish area.

This event is run under the technical regulations of British Cycling and the organiser, Bryan Telford, can be contacted on 01793 726020 or visit www.swindon-rc.co.uk