Ward smashes record
Colin Ward sliced almost two minutes off the course record as he stormed to victory in the Southend Wheelers 50 on Sunday.
In 2011, Steve Dennis of East Grinstead CC set a time of 1:47.58 but Ward went 1.59 quicker, setting a new benchmark of 1:45.59.
Ward has been in scintillating form of late. He finished fifth in the ECCA 100 last time out but before that he had put together an incredible run of 10 wins.
The closest anyone could get to him today was London Phoenix’s Richard Price who completed in 1:49.03, some three minutes down on Ward.
Price was himself comfortable in second with Peter Harding of Chelmer CC in third, completing in 1:57.55, 8.52 down on Price. Philip Murrell (Finsbury Park CC) was fastest veteran in eighth overall with a time of 2:00.25.
Alison Wood (Redbridge CC) was the fastest woman on the day with a time of 2:27.32. The only other female entrant was Jeanette Degiorgio of Crest CC who finished in 2:54.30.
It was a good day for racing, dry and hot with a wind behind the riders as they made their way out towards Tillingham on two-and-three-quarter laps of the circuit.
A stretch of resurfaced tarmac was a cause for concern before the race but the four to five-mile area had been well swept and there were no punctures on the section.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.
Results:
1. Colin Ward Essex Roads CC 1:45.59
2. Richard Price London Phoenix CC 1:49.03
3. Peter Harding Chelmer CC 1:57.55
4. Christopher Smith Southend Wheelers 1:58.8
5. Daniel McKenny Direct Power Cycling Team 1:59.04
6. Timothy Chilvers Maldon & District CC 1:59.16
7. Tim Lynch Aspire Velo Racing Team 1:59.22
8. Philip Murrell Finsbury Park CC 2:00.25
9. Thomas Platts Aspire Velo Racing Team 2:01.03
10. John Bradbury CC Sudbury 2:01.16
Woman: Alison Wood (Redbridge CC) 2:27.32
Veteran: Philip Murrell