OKEHAMPTON cyclist Steve Sage got the new season off to a great start with fourth place in Plymouth Corinthians Cycle Club's 13-mile time trial at Ermington on Sunday.

Steve, now riding for North Devon Wheelers, was unsure how he would fair in Sunday morning's race, after he and team-mates Adrian Street and Hal Fade competed in Mid Devon CC's first Springtime Pursuit road race at Whimple the previous day. But all the wet and cold training miles ridden during the winter meant there was no need to worry.

Sunday morning dawned bright and still, which encouraged most of the 30 entrants to take to the start line.

Steve had recovered well from the previous day's exertions and was soon turning the pedals in determined style.

After the opening seven or eight miles of mainly uphill riding the remaining miles along the Erme Valley were relished and North Devon Wheelers' final efforts to the finish line were good enough to reward Steve Sage with a time of 33min 16 sec and fourth place overall.

His team-mate Ray Retter finished with a time inside 35 minutes, which was also good enough to take second place in the veterans' class.

Steve and the other North Devon Wheelers will be in action again this weekend at the second Springtime Pursuit on Saturday and Exeter Wheelers' sporting time trial on Sunday.