Seventy-nine cyclists braved torrential rain to compete in a 76-mile cycling race centred on Benwick yesterday.

Cheered on by hardy spectators, the riders, who travelled from as far as Guernsey for the event, set off from the outside the Five Alls pub at noon.

They did eight laps of a circuit around Benwick before crossing the finishing line outside the pub.

The race was St Ives Cycling Club’s counting event towards the Eastern Road Race League.

Of the 79 racers, only 23 finished, as a series of punctures and the inclement weather - which spread the field - took their toll.

Winner was Rory Havis (St Ives), who finished two seconds ahead of points champion Jacob Hennessy (St Neots). James Moore, Patrick Graf and Cameron Woolsey completed the top five.

Race organiser Colin Coe said: “It was very wet. Bearing in mind the forecast, it was a pretty good turnout. Obviously the rain had an impact on the racing, with lots of punctures. Our two service cars were kept very busy.

“The riders were very supportive of the event - a lot of them said they will be back next year.

“The villagers were very supportive too. If the sun had been shining, a lot more people would have come out. All in all, it was a good race.

“Thanks to Andrew Roddham of Whittlesey Cycles for supporting the event.”