A TRIO of Weaver Valley Cycling Club riders are celebrating their performances against the world's best.

Martin Jones, Mark Thompson and Dave Astles returned home from the International Cycling Federation's World Championships in London with top 20 finishes.

Crewe-based Jones was the star man, getting himself into a brilliant 9th place after a bunch finish in the 18-39 years race.

Astles, of Middlewich, finished two places better than last year in Ghent, Belgium, crossing the line 15th in the 50-59 years championship.

He even led the field for three laps at one point, before the chasing pack reeled him in. Thompson, in his first attempt at this level, finished an excellent 19th.

The races were held on the purpose-built Eastway circuit in Hackney, which has been graced by the wheels of all-time greats including Eddie Mercx.

Reigning world champion Ian Hallam retained the title he won in Ghent last year, breaking clear with seven laps left.

Astles continued a busy week with a third place finish at Byley in the 15th round of the league series days later, then followed this with an appearance on the motor racing sprint circuit at Curborough, near Lichfield, the Saturday after.

This was in the National League of Veteran Racing Cyclists, and he again found himself leading the way for three laps, finally finishing the five-mile course in 7th.

On the Sunday, Astles and Dave Daynes were edged out in the veterans' Cheshire Challenge, although both were well up in the sprint for 2nd place.

Howard Griffiths, Weaver Valley's sole entry in the Warrington RC 50 mile time trial, was also celebrating individual glory as he lowered his personal best by seven minutes.

Meanwhile, Weaver Valley's own 50 mile time trial has been retained by Chris Mullin in 2 hours 10 minutes. Paul Lawson took the silver, Les Charnley, bronze.

A club run leaves the Iron Bridge, Castle, at 9.30am on Sunday, bound for Prees Heath, Whitchurch.

Club nights continue on Mondays at Moss Farm Rec, 8.30pm.

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