She won the women's event in 24min 13secs and the following week improved her best by a minute-and-a-half at the National 10-mile Time Trial at Liss, finishing 22nd in 22.34.

Hoping for better luck at the National 25-mile at Sawtry, disaster struck at the start when Bex's rear wheel punctured. Having been loaned another wheel, a spoke on her front wheel snapped after one mile.

Despite losing valuable time on repairs, Bex still finished in 1hr 04min for 26th.

Last weekend, Bex rode with new visually impaired stoker Jan Newman at Bournemouth Wheelers 10-mile time trial. The pairing showed great potential in only their second outing, clocking 22min 25secs for overall third.

The next day at a circuit race at Thruxton, Bex made the initial attack halfway through, splitting the group. She made several further attacks to get away, but the other riders quickly reeled her back in.

Knowing the race would come down to a final sprint, Bex got to the front of the bunch and set a fierce tempo, building the perfect lead out for her team-mate who took the win. Bex came sixth overall, but earned the most combative rider award.

*Melton Olympic Cycling Club riders Malcolm Mann and Bryan Fenwick took part in the East Midlands CICLE Challenge on Sunday.
About 60 took part in the 180km ride which covered many of the local hills. Malcolm and Bryan took 7hr 20mins to complete the ride.

*Norman Portess took a firm hold on the Club Best All-Rounder Trophy at the BDCA Open 100 on a windy afternoon.
Norman clocked 4hr 23min 43secs for a new vets' age record on two laps of a course based on the A50 between Etwall and Blythe Bridge.

*Thomas Ison was the sole Melton Olympic rider when he competed in the LRRA 25 Championship promoted by Boston Wheelers CC. Thomas posted a pleasing time of 1hr 04min 38secs to finish eighth.

*Norman Portess won Melton Olympic's midweek event on wednesday evening on the Harby circuit. Norman posted 32min 48secs ahead of runner-up John Farnsworth (34.57) and Frank Morris (GS METRO) with 37.07.

Other times: Phil Coney (37.27), Paul Lucas (38.15), Gary Ison (39.39), Bryan Fenwick (40.02), Louise Bennett (40.22), Bill Vetcher (40.53), Dougie Macdonald (41.16), Tony Palmer (41.21), Malcolm Mann (42.31), Laura Penrose (47.44).