BARNEY Storey (VC St Raphael/Waite Contracts) successfully defended his British Cycling National Tandem Sprint title at Newcastle.

Although it was Storey's second successive title, this year he achieved the win with his fellow world record holder Antony Kappes (Yasumitsu Schlapp) which made for a first in the history of the event.

As Kappes is visually impaired, the talented duo are now the first Paralympic team to hold the able-bodied title.

Storey said: "It was good to get the win with Antony after riding with Craig (MacLean) last year. It was another good opportunity for Antony to face some top-class opposition without the pressure of a major international event."

Storey, originally from Corfe Mullen, is now based full-time in Manchester where he is working on his future career after his time in the saddle is up. He currently coaches five riders on the Great Britain Paralympic squad.

TOUR GETS GO-AHEAD

Local road racing has been given a massive boost by the announcement by top race organiser Don Standhaft that this year's three-day Dorset Tour is finally going ahead.

It will be the third year that Standhaft has organised the event which will take place on August 19, 20 and 21 with four stages on offer. Although entries will be accepted on the day, Standhaft is keen to encourage riders to enter before the closing date of July 22.

Standhaft is also looking to recruit volunteers for the event. He said: "For those of you who have helped out over the years, thank you once again but please contact me if you may be able to lend a hand again this year."

GOOD FINISH

The Poole Wheelers team of Terry Icke, Max Baldock and Gary Steadman finished a creditable 11th place in the RTTC Team Time Trial National Championships recording a time of 1 hour 8 minutes and 8 seconds and averaging 27mph on the 31-mile undulating course.

The top 15 teams were only separated by five minutes with the Artic RT beating the De Rosa RT team by one second for the win.

"We worked very hard together and the differing levels of power output were much more noticeable today. Max took the lion's share of the work with Terry and I contributing equally," said Steadman after the event.

Not content with riding national and local races, Steadman is instrumental in organising an educational evening for local cyclists new to the sport.

To be held on Monday at Poole Sports Centre, all local cyclists are welcome to the free event.

Guest speakers include Andrew Cooper, Eamonn Deane and the Poole Wheelers club captain Max Baldock. Topics of the various presentations include coaching, race preparation and training.

Further details are on poolewheelers.com