A WEST FIFE-BASED cycling team were back in the saddle last month and pedalled their way to a fine top 10 finish.

Riders with the Ryan's Bike Surgery-Thomson Homes team were back in action after several months without competition when they took to the roads on June 20 in the CTT (Cycling Time Trials) Team Time Trial Championships in Ayrshire.

Teams from across the UK were vying to achieve the quickest, collective time on a fast and flat 31-mile course on the A78, south of Irvine, and the team formed between two local businesses were one.

Ryan's Bike Surgery, based in Inverkeithing, and Thomson Homes, located in Cowdenbeath, came together last year to form a team that included ex-Scottish title-winners Hamish Creber, Silas Goldsworthy and Ross Thomson; multiple national-medallist Ray Wilson; reigning Scottish 100-mile TT champion Andy Underwood; and youngster Chris Horden.

The idea to create the team was that of Sandy Wallace, who formerly ran Sandy Wallace Cycles in Inverkeithing and a cycle team bearing the same name, and he secured the backing of Ryan's Bike Surgery owner Ryan Easson, and Thomson Homes, who have supported a number of local riders and the Carnegie Cyclones team.

Representing the team at the CTT Team Time Trial Championships were the experienced trio of Wilson, Goldsworthy and Underwood and they produced an outstanding result to place eighth overall.

Not only that, but they finished the event as the second-placed Scottish team, a result that builds confidence ahead of the Scottish TTT Championships in August.

A delighted Goldsworthy commented: "Today was our first as a team in this event so it was about getting a good showing in. To start in a British championship is a case of jumping in at the deep end! But we worked extremely well together, making sure that the pace and effort was even throughout.

"It felt great to be back racing and doing what we loved. The rest of this year and season is just about making the most of any more events that come up and hopefully building towards the Scottish TTT Championships."

Ryan’s Bike Surgery-Thomson Homes’ second team, comprising Ken Thomson, Chris Hordon and Hamish Creber, had less luck on the day.

A mid-point puncture reduced the team to two but, despite the mechanical problem, the remaining riders, Ken and Chris, had a strong finish to place 26th overall.