The Independent Pedaler- Nopinz team-mates Christopher Fennell and Emma Lewis had little trouble wrapping up the men’s and women’s victories at the Catford CC 25.

Despite crosswinds hitting the coastline course near Ashford Fennell clocked a winning time of 47 minutes and 10 seconds- over three minutes quicker than his nearest challenger.

Lewis had an even bigger winning margin in the women’s event finishing in 54-23 - eight minutes quicker than her closest challenger.

The Q25/12 sees riders start outside Old Romney before traveling on the A259 initially turning southbound to Brookland before retracing north and then joining the A2070 towards Ashford and then turning for home.

It was National 25 Champion Fennell’s first open victory over the distance this year after winning the Medway Velo Club 10 last weekend.

Fennell will go in next weekend’s National 10 looking to improve on his silver medal last season.

Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) finished second in 50-57 while Timothy Torrie (TBW23 Stuart Hall Cycling Gett Taxi) completed the podium places in 51-42.

Lewis also refined her form ahead of next weekend’s National 10 with a convincing victory- her first open win of the season.

Toni Wilkes (Project 51) finished second in 1-02-43 while Rebecca Wilson (Rye & District Wheelers) completed the podium places in 1-03-18.

“There was a crosswind in every direction,” said Lewis following her victory.

“I thought there might be a tailwind in the last few miles but there really wasn’t. It was a bit gusty which kept people on their toes, you had to keep working hard and there was no let up.

“Despite that the wind meant you could push along quite nicely.”

Lewis, aged 29, will head to Berkshire next weekend hoping for team glory and says that with 77 senior women down to compete it will be an exciting event.

“Our aim is for the team record and team prizes,” added Lewis.
“I don’t plan to do many opens this year as my work has been so busy I haven’t really committed as much time as some other riders.

“Some have had time to train at a high level during lockdown so it will be exciting to see at the nationals. Also, people can’t compete in road races currently so want to compete in time trials.

“It’s exciting to see so many women down to ride.”

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

Results:
1 Christopher Fennell (The Independent Pedaler- Nopinz) 47.10
2 Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) 50.57
3 Timothy Torrie (TBW23 Stuart Hall Cycling Gett Taxi) 51.42
4 Chris Holmes (Twickenham CC) 52.14
5 Andrew Meilak (VeloRefined Rule 5) 53.01
6 Hugh Smith (Woolwich CC) 53.58
7 Irfan Zaman (Bigfoot CC) 54.15

Women:
1 Emma Lewis (The Independent Pedaler- Nopinz) 54.23
2 Toni Wilkes (Project 51) 1:02.43
3 Rebecca Wilson (Rye & District Wheelers) 1:03.18