Scratch rider Thomas Hutchinson (Team Bottrill) ran out clear victor on a different style of course in the Blaydon CC 23 while Miriam Jessett (Team Kirkley Cycles) took the women’s win by the narrowest of margins.

Hutchinson who has also won the Barnesbury 10 and 25 events in recent weeks added the win to his tally since lockdown over the irregular 23-mile course.

Starting near Morpeth the M23-1 course saw riders battle a strong headwind on the outward leg up a long drag before turning right at Scots Gap to complete a loop including a few short climbs.

Riders were treated to a tailwind on the return downward journey back to the start near Morpeth.

Competitors did not have just the elements to consider but were also tested by the twisty and technical nature of the course.

Hutchinson was in fine form once again clocking a winning time of 50 minutes and 23 seconds.

Michael Gill (AeroLab Ward Wheelz) finished a strong second place in 51-05 while junior rider Oscar Onley (Kelso Wheelers CC) completed the top three in 52-04.

“Today was a bit more technical and hilly than I’m typically used to, however this made it more of an interesting race,” said Hutchinson.

“I crossed the line not knowing how I’d done, particularly as the undulating course meant that it was difficult to find and sustain a rhythm. I look forward to racing at the National 10 next weekend and it was great to get more race experience under the belt. Thanks again to the organisers.”

On a road bike Lee Cuthbertson (Muckle Cycle Club) finished a fine seventh overall in 55-28.

The women’s event could not have been closer as under-23 rider Jassett’s time of 1-00-55 was only a single second faster than event organiser Joanne Rea (Blaydon CC), while Jen McMahon (Sub Rosa) finished third in 1-04-17.

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Results:
1 Thomas Hutchinson (Team Bottrill) 50.23
2 Michael Gill (AeroLab Ward Wheelz) 51.05
3 Oscar Onley (Kelso Wheelers CC) 52.04
4 Andrew Duggan (Physiohaus) 52.38
5 Lewis Wake (Team Kirkley Cycles) 54.00
6 Shaun Brannan (Muckle Cycle Club) 55.17
7 Lee Cuthbertson (Muckle Cycle Club) 55.28- road bike

Women:
1 Miriam Jessett (Team Kirkley Cycles) 1:00.55
2 Joanne Rea (Blaydon CC) 1:00.56
3 Jen McMahon (Sub Rosa) 1:04.17