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Staithes cyclist in top three finish
A STAITHES cyclist swept to a podium finish when he claimed a bronze medal in a major regional event after 15 years out of the sport.
Martin Hopkinson was competing for his team Fietsen Tempo – named after a Belgian bike shop – in the 30-strong masters section of the North East Regional Championships.
Martin (48) was delighted to have done so well but early on, two of cyclists split from the main bunch and Martin rode almost the entire race alone in between the two leaders and the chasing pack.
The event took place over four laps of a 13-mile track in Middleton village in Northumberland. The course changed at the last minute due to roadworks.
Martin, who lives in the seaside village's Cliff Street, has just started cycling competitively again after a lengthy absence.
"I used to cycle quite a lot when I was younger then had a 15-year gap and started again last year.
"I worked underground at Boulby potash mine and with the shifts I worked, I decided to pack it in."
But now he is enjoying being back in the sport and has won a masters event and had several placings.
Martin thanks the team's main sponsors Chapters Restaurant.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 19 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
