Matt Sinclair (Lutterworth Cycle Centre RT) broke the course record by two minutes to clinch victory in perfect conditions for the Nottingham Clarion 50-mile time trial.

The 38-year-old stopped the clock in a time of one hour, 45 minutes and 39 seconds around the A50/5 course in Leicestershire to take victory by 19 seconds.

Perfect conditions greeted riders leading to the top three all breaking the previous course record of one hour and 47 minutes on the flat course which includes sections of the A52 but also some unclassified roads.

Sinclair, who also took victory in the Coalville Wheelers and Sleaford Wheelers events over 10 miles earlier this season - showed he is just as quick over the longer distance.

“I know the course well as it is local to me and I have ridden it as a 25-mile event a lot in the past,” said Sinclair.

“I posted the previous course record of 1:48.53 back in 2010 and in the back of my mind in knew I could get the course record back today.

“With my power metre, I knew what wattage to ride to exactly so I rode the race evenly. I knew quite a long way out I would get the course record, but I knew that Mark Nulty and Simon Beldon had come down from up north and would push me hard.

“I have done a 1:45.00 in the past on a much quicker course and I thought I might beat it but the last seven or eight miles were up a rise into a slight head-wind, I wasn’t a million miles away.

“It’s very rare I do 50-mile time trials and the way my legs feel now I know why. It’s my fifth win of the season and 96th of my career as I’m now in my 12th season.

“One of my season goals was to reach 100 career wins. I am also targeting the three-up time trial championships, 10 and 25 miles championships.”

Finishing just 19 seconds behind Sinclair for second place was Mark Nulty (Glossop Kinder Velo) in 1:45.58 while scratch rider Simon Beldon (SSLL Racing Team) finished a further two seconds behind.

Chris Pike (Coalville Wheelers) was the fastest veteran clocking a time of 1:54.28 which was good enough for sixth place overall.

Alan Cooke (Peak RC) was fastest in the 50-59 age category while John Quimby (Coalville Whls) was fastest veteran aged 60+.

In the women’s category Lucy Gossage (Cambridge Tri Club) showed the form which saw her finish third in the National 100 Championships in 2014 clinching a comfortable victory in 2:01.59.

Amy Ogden (Tuxford Clarion) finished second woman in 2:05.15.

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

Results:

1 Matt Sinclair (Lutterworth Cycle Centre RT) 1:45.39

2 Mark Nulty (Glossop Kinder Velo) 1:45.58

3 Simon Beldon (SSLL Racing Team) 1:46.00

4 Blaine Metcalf (Team Swift) 1:49.42

5 Paul Lunn (Fenland Clarion) 1:50.03

6 Chris Pike (Coalville Whls) 1:54.28

Women:

1 Lucy Gossage (Cambridge Tri Club)           2:01.59

2. Amy Ogden (Tuxford Clarion)       2:05.15