A SPRINT for the line determined the winner of this year's Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race, following an exciting encounter.

Two riders from the lead group prised themselves away on the penultimate circuit, with Morvelo Basso RT's Michael Mottram seeing off the challenge of Joey Walker (Team Wiggins).

It had initially been looking good for Essex favourite George Wood (Race No. 51), who had kept himself at or near the front for ten of the 12 laps.

However, Wood eventually finished 33 seconds behind Walker with a small group, to finish third.

Mottram's time was three hours 18 minutes for the 82 miles, with the final group crossing the line six minutes later.

The 36th running of the race took place on a wet, chilly and dreary Sunday morning.

Organised by Colchester Rovers Cycling Club, three members had spent much time on Saturday sweeping the Abberton Reservoir Circuit to get rid of water and gravel.

Despite the weather - or perhaps because it - a fierce pace was set on the very first lap following the neutralised start from the HQ at The Army Reserve Centre.

There were 80 riders in the field, assisted by a large race convoy including team support vehicles.

A small group formed quickly, followed by two chasing groups before the main peloton.

After four laps of the seven-mile circuit, the leaders had a gap of 55 seconds on the chasers with the peloton at 2m 20s.

It is unusual with this race for a breakaway to consolidate a lead so early.

But after six laps, it went to 1m 40s and with two to go had only reduced by ten seconds.

Five separate groups on the road were all covered with road grime from the wet conditions.

But Mottram and Walker eventually pulled away, with the Morvelo Basso RT racer eventually claiming the all-important win.

There were 48 finishers on a testing, cold day.