CYCLISTS are being given the opportunity to pay tribute to North Yorkshire cycling stalwart Keith Thompson.

The Evening Press cycling correspondent died on November 24 last year and a 100 kilometre ride is being staged by his club, Knaresborough Racing team, in his memory.

It will be held on Sunday, November 25, from Knaresborough bus depot and will be led out by Keith's son, Andre, a noted rider, at 9.30am.

The ride will also finish in Knaresborough and Keith Thompson Memorial t-shirts will be available at a cost of £3.75 for the finishers.

The entry is free although there will be a tray for donations at the finish with the money going to a charity of Keith's widow's choice.

Full details can be obtained from Jim Laycock, chairman of Knaresborough RT, on 01904 700573.

Mike Shacklock maintained his great form by winning the latest Northern Foiling Services Ltd Tuesday Time Trial League race run by Knaresborough RT.

The Otley rider defied rain and a strong head wind around the A168 Marton course to clock 25 minutes 46 seconds, way in front of his nearest rival, Oliver Pearce, of the promoting club, who timed 29.45.

York rider Richard Musgrave (Clifton CC) put in a great effort in the demanding Liverpool Century RC Ted Mercer Memorial two day road race.

The race took in Skelmersdale and a testing and hilly course in the Frodsham area.

Musgrave finished 26 seconds in arrears for 41st place in the opening morning 4km time-trial.

In the afternoon, Richard Binks (Huddersfield RC) edged home two seconds ahead of the main bunch which contained Musgrave.

Wet and windy wet weather turned the 100km race the following day into a tough finale.

Binks again took the win with Musgrave claiming seventh spot - despite a puncture.

By the end of this stage only 19 out of the original 60 starters survived.

Binks took the overall event victory with Musgrave's efforts earning him a fine eighth place over the two days.

Updated: 11:28 Saturday, September 22, 2001