TEAM Darenth Cycling Club made a big impact in the finals of the Raleigh Challenge held in Rochester.

There was around 260 riders in all year groups competing at the finals.

In the boys' Year 2 & under class, seven-year-old Liam Cowell came first overall in the multi-discplined event, which included performing various skills and time trials, while incurring no penalty points, against 30 others.

Liam's mother Margaret, along with Karen Abraham, whose son Martyn is also a Team Darenth rider, are regular helpers at the club's Wilmington Boys' Grammar School base and organise skills competitions throughout the year.

This is to encourage riders to handle their bikes better while having lots of fun, with prizes given at Team Darenth's annual presentation night in October.

Margaret said: "We like to reward our riders as they all work hard. The skills test isn't easy and the format is changed regularly to keep them on their toes.

"Some of the older riders even have a go at picking up pound coins from the ground while riding their bikes as a bit of fun.

Commenting on her own son's triumph, Margaret said: "Liam has been a Team Darenth member for more than four years.

"He just loves riding, but it's an amazing achievement considering he has a hole in the heart and he won a Rayleigh bike for his efforts."

Club-mate Daniel Mayzes ensured a double celebration by taking third place and managed to go slightly faster than Liam in the time trial.

In the boys' Year 3/4/5 class, Martyn Abrahams also came a good third with the help of a particularly good time trial.

Anthony Wenden represented Dean Darenth in the boys' Year 6/7/8/ category, while the club had three girls in the top 12 of the girls' section in this age group.

They were Hayley West, who came seventh, one place ahead of Charlotte Pring, whose sister Jennifer finished 12th.

For more information on Team Darenth, call Clive Jenns on 01322 400911.

July 9, 2002 11:30