IN his first ever Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross Race Ilkley's James Parker (Team Marie Curie/Pace Satellite TV) finished a very creditable eighth out of 220 starters in a time of 3.27.54 with Addingham veteran Reg Haigh also producing a magnificent effort.

The race was won by his team colleague Chris Young, of Gargrave, who added this win in 3.08.02 to his previous two in 1994 and 1997.

Young virtually led all the way but he faced a stern challenge in the early part of the race.

He was first over the top but was overtaken by Ian Taylor on the descent.

By the time the leaders reached Whernside Young was back in front and he then opened up a gap to pass the finishing line at Helwith Bridge 3 mins 40 secs clear of second placed Robert Jebb (Hope Technology) with Jake Stowe (GA Cycles) third over 14 minutes down.

Young led the Team Marie Curie-Pace Satellite TV team which included Parker and veteran Reg Haigh of Addingham who finished in 3.33.25.

For Haigh it was a personal as well as a team triumph.

The 48 year-old produced an outstanding result in finishing 15th overall and first veteran.

His performance can be put in perspective by the fact that for most of the race he was ahead of professional rider Gary Foord, Great Britian's representative at the Atlanta Olympic Games.

The Three Peaks is classified as the hardest on/off road cycle race in the world and the competitors were glad to find the weather on the cool side.

There was minor controversy at the finish when three riders were penalised two minutes for using road bikes on the road section instead of sticking to their cross-country machines.

Out of the near record entry 205 finished including the race organiser John Rawnsley of Bradford RCC who completed the course for the 38th successive year having won the first in 1961.

Otley Cycle Club riders who took part were Nigel Brown who finished in 4.46.43; Paul Chapman in 4.32.34; Tim Howcroft in 4.12.56; Ian Cullen in 4.20.51; and Kevin Stokes in 4.28.14.

Apart from Ian Cullen the other Otley riders were all making their first attempt at the Three Peaks.

Otley's Team Chevin was also well represented with Ben Patton 44th in 3.53.14; Nicholas Elder 55th in 3.57.31; Philip Wilson 79th in 4.07.46; Tony Beddis 120th in 4.23.04; Simon Blashill 131st in 4.29.11; Andrew Moxon 138th in 4.32.13 amd Terry Beddis 174th in 5.01.07.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.