WYCOMBE rider Adam Henley had a disappointing finish to his challenge in the Archer International Grand Prix, held in Bucks last weekend, when he crashed after 70 miles.

The promising Bucks rider had looked in good form for much of the 115-mile race but, after staying with the 20-man leading group until the 70-mile mark, lost contact. He was then caught by another group of six riders and unfortunately got involved in a crash, after which he was forced to retire.

Henley was competing in the GB under-23 squad, in the longest race of his life, so far.

New Zealander and favourite Gordon McCauley took a decisive victory in the race, which for the first time was held over a 20-mile loop through Great Missenden, Princes Risborough, Naphill and Penn Street, after traffic calming measures in Beaconsfield forced a change of route.

A total of 100 riders contested the race, in its 46th year, including local riders, a New Zealand team, led by McCauley, and riders from Holland, France, Scotland and Ireland.

Local riders Karl and Martin Freeman also took part and both rode strongly throughout, eventually finishing 56th and 58th respectively.

In the supporting junior and senior third and fourth category race, Wycombe

riders had mixed fortunes.

Three Wycombe riders were among the 50 starters of the race, which started earlier in the day, and despite the tough climb the bunch stayed together.

Wycombe's 16-year-old Simon Henley was enjoying a good race until, on the final climb up Gore Hill, he had mechanical trouble before eventually finishing 22nd.

His older team-mate Paul Addy, sprinted to a good fifth place, while Tim Crouch, competing in his first-ever road race, was forced to retire with chain trouble.

The winner was Peter Jones from Abergaveny.