EMILY Martin improved on a record in place for more than 30 years after racing against the clock for more than four hours last weekend.

She completed the Shropshire Cycling Clubs Association's 100-mile time trial in 4:27.53, improving by nine seconds a previous Weaver Valley Cycling Club best set in 1987.

It made her the fastest female in the field by close to four minutes.

Sam Taylor was the pick of the Northwich outfit's contingent, timing 4:09.15 to finish just outside the top 10 overall, ahead of Alistair Stanway (4:20.20) and Paul Longley (4:25.11).

Adam Darby of Transition Race Team took first prize in 3:49.59.

Dave Walker claimed a podium position at the Ron Spencer Memorial 25-mile time trial organised by Warrington Road Club after clocking 54:50.

Weaver Valley's Lynsey Astles improved on her personal best for the distance, finishing runner-up in the women's race with 1:06.15.

Andy Milligan (58:53) and Steve Marlow (1:04.49) competed too, while Jack Levick (Rose Race Team) and Keri Parton (Provision Racing) were the fastest male and female respectively to complete a course near Goostrey.

Windy conditions slowed down riders that took part in Weaver Valley Cycling Club's 25-mile time trial on a loop close to Jodrell Bank.

Sam Taylor ranked seventh overall in 55:24, followed by Stuart Ward (59:08), Alistair Stanway (59:33), Craig Lee (1:00.11), Paul Longley (1:00.20), Steve Marlow (1:05.23) and Dan Robson (1:06.51)/

Meanwhile Alexander Royle (Manchester Bicycle Club) marked his birthday in style, taking overall victory by more than a minute.