RIYADH, 24 January 2003 — For the second race in succession, the three names at the top of the race order remained the same in the tough Bikes & Stuff Hilly Time Trial.

As the name suggests, this race requires hills and there are none better in the Central Region than the ascent of Dirab Escarpment.

In cold sunny conditions, 30 riders faced the time keeper, some with trepidation of what was to follow as this was their first taste of an event of this type.

The Saudi Cycling Federation entered two riders, up-and-coming Haider Al-Issa who continues to improve and established star Abdulaziz Shahrani, who has just started his preparation for the long International season ahead.Alan Wood, back in Kingdom after a 2 year absence, turned the tables this time on Rob Patrick, who had defeated him the last time they met in this tough Dirab test.

Wood rode strongly on the early flat section, catching Patrick before the climb, then was able to hold off the strong challenge from the consistent veteran to finish ahead of him.

Also caught on the climb by the lead duo was eventual third placed Jaime Sunga, who once again put in an excellent performance, despite his limited time for training. As expected 4th place went to climbing specialist Chris Wust, always a strong competitor in this type of event and was probably one of the few competitors who admitted to having enjoyed the event!

Surprise of the day however came when Phil Green claimed fifth place, his best result to date.

In just a few sort months, the phenomenal Green has improved from a raw beginner to a rider capable of beating experienced riders like Charlie Dryden, George Morete, Redeen Platil and Edwin Seneres.

Top Cat B honors and fastest Master category rider went to the familiar name of L. Pentlebury, who put in another classy performance. The mountain bikers enjoyed being able to use their large range of gears, and it was Paul Tupman getting the better of Steve Baker once again. Superb prizes were donated by generous sponsors Bikes & Stuff, with half the field claiming something special from the Eastern Province based bike shop.

Results: 1st A.Wood 26m26s; 2nd R.Patrick 26m57s; 3rd J.Sunga 27m59s; 4th C.Wust 28m02s; 5th P.Green 28m23s; 6th C.Dryden 28m25s; 7th G.Morete 28m32s; 8th R.Platil 28m42s; 9th H.Al Issa 29m12s; 10th E.Seneres 29m31s; 11th L.Pentlebury 29m38s; 12th F.Ranola 29m49s. (Jan Patrick)