Rea and Meggison winners at Gosforth RC 25
After several near misses, GS Metro’s Dan Meggison finally took an open time trial win, racing to victory in the Gosforth Road Club 25-mile event in Northumberland on Sunday.
The 27-year-old clocked 55-49 to take the honours by 1-31 from Phil Hall (Breeze Bikes RT), while Mark Robertson (Army CU) was third, almost two minutes behind Meggison and riding a road bike.
And in the women’s event there was another strong performance from Blaydon CC’s Joanne Rea who clocked 1-06-05 to win by 37 seconds from Natalie Batey (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service), while course regular Gemma Hutchins (Blaydon CC) was third.
Meggison’s victory came despite having to contend with a loose horse on a narrow stretch of the course after the first turn on at Black Heddon, but he managed to safely negotiate the animal while it was being round up.
“It is a relief to finally get a win!” he said. “I’ve been feeling really lethargic recently and was advised by the doctor to take a little bit of time off to try and get myself better. It’s obviously paid off as I managed to shave around three and a half minutes off my time from last year’s event.
“It was really hot and sticky out on the course today, and whilst it was a bit breezy on some sections of the course, it doesn’t help much when you’re under a TT helmet.”
Gosforth RC rider Paul Hague was the quickest rider on the day for the host club. In total, 10 riders went under the hour for the rolling 25-mile course.
Competing as the only juvenile in the field, Maddy Hall of Breeze Bikes RT stopped the clock in an impressive 1:18:40. The 14-year-old from Amble recently secured her place in the GHS Youth Championship final in Norwich in September.
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