Christopher Fennell (The Independent Pedaler) got his open campaign underway in style by beating the course record in the Medway Velo Club 10, while Lisa Davies (trainSharp) narrowly won the women’s event.

Despite being exposed to a rain shower on his ride Fennell showed his post-lockdown form by clocking a time of 18 minutes and 11 seconds on the out and back course.

The reigning National Closed Circuit and 25-mile title holder was pushed into second in last season’s National 10.

However, his time of 18-11 on this occasion was 15 seconds faster than he went in the National 10 last season.

The out and back Q10/1 saw riders head north up the gradual gradient on the A2070 before turning near Ashford and making the longer downward return leg.

Mixed conditions met riders in Kent with the early starters getting the better of conditions.

Scratch rider Fennell was one of those that got caught in a rain shower before the weather brightened up towards the end of his ride and riders were treated by a tailwind on the return leg.

Heading the rest of the field home was Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) whose time of 19-44 was five seconds quicker than Neil Harris (Southborough & District Whls) in third.

Meanwhile, Ryan Christensen (Hunt Wheels.com) had to settle for fourth on this occasion.

The women’s race saw an intriguing battle with veteran Davies taking advantage of the conditions for her early start to take victory in a time of 22-58.

Juvenile rider Carys Lloyd (VC de Londres) took second with a very respectable time of 23-00 some 55 seconds faster than team-mate Amber Junker Brameld

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

Results
1 Christopher Fennell (The Independent Pedaler) 18.11
2 Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) 19.44
3 Neil Harris (Southborough & District Whls) 19.49
4 Ryan Christensen (Hunt Wheels.com) 20.14
5 Oliver Hurdle (University of Southampton) 20.28
6 Brett Davies (trainSharp) 20.32
7 Alexander Ballinger (Farnborough & Camberley CC) 20.33
8 Joe Austin (Sheppey Velo) 20.37
9 Colin McDermott (Festival RC) 20.39
10 Jacob Storey (Partenza-Nude Espresso RT) 20.42

Women
1 Lisa Davies (trainSharp) 22.58
2 Carys Lloyd (VC de Londres) 23.00
3 Amber Junker Brameld (VC de Londres) 23.55