Joe Evans (Newcastle RC Vekta Velosport) clocked a decent time of 52.36 in torrential rain to win Janus RC’s Fred Gratton Memorial 25 by well over a minute.

The 19-year-old, who usually races for Madison Genesis, took the win ahead of Vision Racing’s Adam Robinson with 53.56, while Scott Burns (Manchester Wheelers) was third with 54.24.

Claire Swoboda (Starley Racing) was fastest women, recording 1:02.30, one and three quarter minutes ahead of the next best female, Louise Burley (GBCycles.co.uk) with 1:04.15.

Preston CC took the team prize with Lee Faulkner, Paul Johnstone and Robbie Brennan, who was also fastest vet on standard with 55.32.

Organiser Phil Robinson described the conditions as “horrific”, with ten riders climbing off during their race and only 67 riders finishing of the 122 entries.

“The conditions were pretty dreadful, some of the worst rain I've ever TT'd in for sure,” said winner Evans. “In places there was huge amounts of standing water which made for some interesting moments to say the least!”

Aside from club 10s, it was the 2013 National Junior Time Trial champion’s first TT of the season.

“I've been concentrating so much on road racing for the first part of the year with my trade team Madison Genesis. I used this race as preparation for the U23 national champs in just over a week’s time which is why it was so good to take the win.

“It was really nice to be able to ride for my club again as they've helped me a lot over the years, so it was good to give something back.

“My PB is 50.01 which I set last year, also in the rain funnily enough!”

The J2/9 has something of a notorious reputation locally as it takes in plenty of rutted farm roads on its single-carriageway loop through the Cheshire countryside south of Knutsford.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Results:

Pos      Name               Club    Time

1          Joe Evans        Newcastle Racing Club Vekta Velosport       52.36

2          Adam Robinson          Vision Racing-Delamere Dairy           53.56  

3          Scott Burns     Manchester Wheelers  54.24

4          Robin Brennan            Preston CC      55.32

5          Adrian Hughes            Seamons CC   56.27

6          Nathan Turnbull          Leigh Premier Road Club       56.30

7          Paul Shallicker            Coveryourcar.co.uk RT           56.51

8          Lee Faulkner   Preston CC      56.52

9          Mostyn Bullock          Buxton CC      56.55

10        Lukas Hodgson           Manchester Wheelers  57.10

Women

Claire Swoboda Starley Racing          1:02.30

Vet on standard

Robin Brennan Preston CC    55.32

Team

Preston CC