Bakers dozen

10:16am Thursday 15th May 2008

Stourbridge Velo, the area's newest cycle racing club has completed its latest signing making it a "baker's dozen" for the 2008 season.

Veteran tricyclist Wayne Baker has joined the team as the 13th member of the race team.

The new signing brings a wealth of three-wheel experience to the new-look squad.

A double national 10-mile trike championship champion, three times winner of the National Tricycle League and twice world trike championship silver medal, he is the current Belgian champion and in June competes in the world championship.

The 51-year-old is based in the South West but remains loyal to the Stourbridge-based cycling scene.

He said: "I am delighted to join a new, exciting and go-ahead club which is committed to helping young riders - the future of the sport."

The new Black Country-based team has got off to a flying start with a team victory in the Warwickshire RC 50-mile race against the clock.

Tough conditions failed to deter the team in the Denbigh 50-mile road race, which attracted a 66-strong field.

Team captain Chris Taylor, Jonathan Davies and Neil Haywood all made attempts to breakaway but were thwarted, Haywood capturing 10th place and then featuring in a spectacular spill involving between 10-15 riders as they crossed the finishing line.

Terry Wood carried the club's colours to fourth place overall.

Completing a good start to the season, Neil Haywood won the Staffordshire series mid-week road race.

Davies said: "Neil only started racing in September of last year, so this an encouraging start and suggests he could have a bright future ahead."

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