ALTON-based junior cyclist Ollie Suatt had no particular aspirations or expectations when he entered the Under-16 category of round two of the Omega Portsmouth Circuits Race last Saturday at the newly re-opened Mountbatten Centre outside track.

Probably to his own surprise, he found the pace and strength in the final stages to take the wider, but longer outside line and take a superb first place by a couple of inches.

Suatt, an Alton Cycling Club regular, was riding in his first-claim colours of VC Meudon and probably benefited from the good legs he has developed this year by riding in reverse the famous end-to-end route, completing the mammoth cycle south from John o’Groats down to Land’s End with his school earlier this summer.

Have a go with Alton CC

CYCLING is a great activity to get involved in, for health, environmental and economical reasons. Many have enjoyed watching British stars excelling on the biggest stages at the Tour de France, Olympics and Paralympics this summer, but may find it daunting to start the self-propelled two-wheel habit themselves.

Without limitation on age, ability or fitness levels, Alton Cycling Club is organising a Mini Club Ride on Sunday, October 2, meeting at 10 am at Anstey Park, and will welcome anyone interested in taking part in an organised 10-mile group ride, safely stewarded and marshalled by experienced club members. The route will be relatively flat and will include a refreshments stop.

It is open to all types of bikes, as long as they are roadworthy with working brakes. Alton CC will be offering reduced club membership for riders taking part.

For more details, email Sophie at sschryver@ outlook.com or visit the website altoncyclingclub .org