Hamish Bond and Kate Allan put in impressive displays to claim victory as Port Talbot Wheelers hosted their 25-mile event on the quick R25/3h course in South Wales.

Conditions were very difficult throughout, with strong winds and torrential rain causing several problems, the marshals doing a good job to stay out to keep the event going and all riders that finished receiving credit for a competitive day’s racing.

Whilst the weather was not overly conducive to quick times being registered, Bond (Aerocoach) was having none of it on Sunday, blitzing the course to claim victory.

The 31-year-old from Dunedin, New Zealand, has blended seamlessly into cycling, following a rowing career highlighted by two Olympic titles and eight world championship gold medals.

The man with the golden touch clocked an exceptional time of 45.51, taking victory by nearly two minutes, adding this victory to his growing list in 2017 that includes the South Pennine RC 25 and the A3crg 10.

Second place went to Team Wiggins rider Scott Davies, his time of 47.40 was just u

nder two minutes faster than Samuel Wadsley (Poole Wheelers), the latter the only other rider under the 50-minute mark completing the podium.

The competitive racing continued, the next five places separated by just 27 seconds with the man in eighth, Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs), taking the top veterans prize on the day with a +16.42 ride.

In the women’s competition, there were familiar names at the top of the standings with Drag2Zero duo Kate Allan and Alice Lethbridge once again battling out.

It was Allan who came out on top on Sunday, stopping the clock at 53.06 for a 23 second victory over her teammate.

The 32-year-old from Berkshire was crowned national 50-mile champion back in June, and last week also claimed third behind Hayley Simmonds and Lethbridge over 10 miles.

Karen Ledger (Team Bottrill/HSS Hire) completed the top three, clocking 55.38.

Cavan Walker’s good form continue, the 17-year-old was once again the fastest junior for Prologue RT in a time of 51.01.

Second in that competition was Matthew Hanford, whose time of 53.23 was a junior club record for his team Bynea CC.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Hamish Bond (Aerocoach) 45.51

2. Scott Davies (Team Wiggins)         47.40

3. Samuel Wadsley (Poole Wheelers) 49.34

4. James Rix (Crawley Wheelers)       50.06

5. Adam Wild (Tyneside Vagabonds)            50.25

6. Chris Gibbard (Bynea CC) 50.28

7. Adam Bidwell (Kingston Wheelers)           50.30

8. Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs)       50.33

Women:

1. Kate Allan (Drag2Zero)      53.06

2. Alice Lethbridge (Drag2Zero)        53.29

3. Karen Ledger (Team Bottrill/HSS Hire)    55.38

Junior: Cavan Walker (Prologue RT) 51.01

Veteran: Paul Jones