Keith Murray continued his winning streak in April as he successfully defended his North Tyneside Riders 10-mile title on Sunday.

A field of 120 starters braved windy conditions in a tricky course that takes in Bassington and The Three Horseshoes, but Murray was at his brilliant best.

The last rider to start, 42-year-old Murray from Darlington stopped the clock on 20.30, claiming victory and with it the North East 10-mile Championship.

The veteran kept his April winning streak intact, adding the title to victories over the same distance at the Bath CC 10 as well as the Bishop Auckland CC 32.

14 seconds behind Murray was GS Metro rider Danny Grieves, ensuring a repeat performance of the top two from 12 months ago.

The reigning National 12-hour Champion stopped the clock at 20.44, a time that would have surpassed Murray’s winning time in 2016, yet he still had to settle for second place.

Collin Humphrey completed the top three, the Derwentside CC man finished nine seconds further back in a time of 20.53.

It was a thrilling conclusion to the women’s race, as Gemma Hutchins and Charlotte Cooper finished joint first.

Hutchins (Blaydon CC) was amongst the earlier starters on Sunday with Cooper not starting until 45 minutes later

38-year-old Hutchins from Gateshead had already set the benchmark of 26.29 when Cooper (GS Metro) got her race underway

Cooper, who was third fastest woman last year improved her time by 50 seconds, to stop the clock in exactly the same time as Hutchins and share the victory.

Amongst the other category winners, Adam Jarps (Manilla Cycling) was the fastest junior, clocking 21.29 for an impressive sixth place overall, whilst fastest juvenile was Daniel Dixon (Gosforth RC)

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

Results:

1. Keith Murray (Drag2Zero) 20.30

2. Danny Grieves (GS Metro) 20.44

3. Collin Humphrey (Derwentside CC)          20.53

4. Blaine Metcalf (Team Swift)          21.09

5. Shaun Tyson (Adept Precision RT)            21.24

6. Adam Jarps (Manilla Cycling)        21.29

7. Dean Penfold (Cestria Cycles RT) 21.36

8. Tim Irwin (Tyneside Vagabonds)   21.52

9. Andrew Hall (GS Metro)    21.58

10. Kris Whitelow (Muckle CC)         22.05

Women:

=1. Gemma Hutchins (Blaydon CC)  26.29

=1. Charlotte Cooper (GS Metro)       26.29

Veteran: Keith Murray

Junior: Adam Jarps

Juvenile: Daniel Dixon (Gosforth RC)           23.06