THE 40th Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross saw a total of 245 people finishing the 40 mile course. The men's winner was Robert Jebb (Ron Hill Racing Team) from Keighley who finished in two hours 59 mins 35 secs. It was his first Three Peaks win. The Ladies title went to Scott UK racer Sue Thomas, from Southport, who was the 1998 champion. She finished 58th overall in a time of three hours 53 mins 31 secs.

There were a number of excellent rides from local racers. Ben Patton (Team Chevin, Otley) finished 29th in three hours 37 mins 15 secs with Nick Elder (Otley Cycle Club) the next best local rider. He came in 57th in a time of three hours 53 mins 30 secs.

Other results were: Philip Mason (Otley CC), 72nd in 3-58-39, Matt Bailey (Team Chevin) 87th in 4-04-02, Ian Cullen (Otley CC) 109th in 4-14-46, Terry Beddis (Team Chevin) 114th in 4-16-00, Tim Howcroft (Otley CC) 156th in 4-31-29, Tony Beddis (Team Chevin) 166th in 4-36-01, Andrew Moxon (Team Chevin) 162nd in 4-35-07, Michael Mudd (Otley CC) 211th in 5-03-27.

John Phillips (Team Chevin) who finished 59th in a time of three hours 54 mins 42 secs, also came in as second junior.

Presenting the prizes was Kevin Watson, who has been a member of Otley Cycling Club for the last 17 years. He rode the Three Peaks in 1959 (one of the first to do so in five hours 30 mins) before the race itself was formed in 1961.

The 55-year-old, who lives in Adel, said: "It was an honour to present the prizes at this 40th event."

Former Wharfedale Newspapers employee Kali Taylor was third lady and 173rd overall in a time of four hours 38 mins 26 secs. Husband Ian finished 11th in a time of 3-23-20.

Reg Haigh from Ilkley, a favourite for the Grandmaster Veterans Title, had to retire after suffering a mishap when he lost the sole of his left shoe on Whernside and had to retire from the race.