Despite a poor weather forecast 53 riders lined up for the start of the Older Man's R.R. for riders 35 years & over in bright sunshine with Ian Hallam (G.S. Strada) resplendent in his World Championship jersey.
From the deneutralised start the race sprung into action.
Eight riders were edging clear as the first lap of the Ellen's Green circuit was completed.  They were Ian Hallam ( G.S. Strada), Colin Roshier (Team Quest), Richard Edwards (C.C. Luton), Charles Zanettacci ( Cheltenham & County C.C.), Brendan Heaslip (Kenton R.C.), Andrew Self (North Hants R.C.), Paul McReynolds (Alton C.C.) & previous winner Steve Dennis (East Grinstead C.C.).
The bunch were trying hard over the next couple of laps to pull the leading group back but the leaders were lapping the 6.1 mile circuit in under 14 minutes.
Onto the circuits of Walliswood the leading group were working well together & had increased their lead over the now chasing group of 9 riders followed by the remains of the bunch still racing.
Approaching the finish for the bell lap Ian Hallam (G.S. Strada) put in an attack but this was countered by Colin Roshier & Richard Edwards.
Approaching the finish for real Colin Roshier broke clear to finish 12 seconds in front of Richard Edwards who just beat Ian Hallam in a hotly contested sprint.  Charles Zanettacci was 4th as last year & Steve Dennis 5th, a second behind.  Brendan Heaslip was 6th, 20 seconds back from the winner whilst Andrew Self beat Paul McReynolds at 1 minute 49 seconds behind the winner.
The next group of 9 riders came in at 4 minutes 36 seconds with the bunch at 6 minutes 55 seconds.
At the prize presentation Colin Roshier accepted the Ken Warren Memorial Trophy donated by Tony Mills of Dauphin Sport from race organizer Brian Hone before being given a replica.
Colin made a small acceptance speech in which he thanked the race organizers, sponsors International Cycle Components, officials & marshals for the event.  He explained that he had heard so much about this event, how it was well organized, always had a quality field & the prestige in which a win in this event was held.  He said that he had looked forward to riding it for many years but at long last he was old enough to ride it, now he was 35.
Ian Hallam was pleased with his performance as this was his last outing before going to Austria to defend his UCI World title.

Graham Hutchings (Morden CRC)