Arthur Franklin (FTP Fulfil the Potential Racing) and Megan Dickerson (Skoda DSI Cycling Academy) broke the men’s and women’s course records respectively in the FTP Racing 50 in Wiltshire on Sunday morning.

Franklin, from Portishead in Somerset, took over a minute off the previous course record clocking a new benchmark of one hour, 48 minutes and 49 seconds.

The 35-year-old had won in the VC Bristol and Newbury Velo 10s already this season along with the Bike-Pace 50.

In last weekend’s FTP Racing 25 he was beaten into second by team-mate Jake Sargent, but on this occasion Franklin reversed the result finishing 34 seconds clear of his nearest rival.

The U86/50 course saw riders start and finish near Minety on the B4040 before heading out to Malmesbury and joining the A429.

At Burton Hill riders headed back east towards Royal Wootton Bassett before linking back north back to the start.

On the first of two-and-a-half laps riders were greeted by calm conditions before the wind picked up on the second lap making for a tough final five miles into a headwind.

Franklin set the previous course record of 1-50-06 in 2019 but went over a minute quicker on this occasion to take victory.

Rob Walker (AeroLab Ward Wheelz) pushed Franklin all the way and broke the previous course record but had to settle for second place in 1-49-23.

After winning the FTP Racing 25 last weekend Sargent had to settle for second over the longer distance taking third in 1-52-34.

Host club FTP Racing also won the team award with Franklin and Sargeant joined by William Hamilton.

“It was a good day for it,” said Franklin. “It was far better than the weather we’ve had the last few weeks. It is 12 months since I have ridden this course and I forgot how tough and grippy it is the whole way around.

“I didn’t have the best run last week but other than that it’s been a good start to the season.”

Meanwhile, Dickerson showed her form in the women’s event taking over 12 minutes off the previous course record on her way to victory.

The 24-year-old, from Bristol, covered the course in a new record time of two hours and 18 seconds.

Dickerson also recorded victory in the FTP Racing 25 last weekend and Bath Cycling Club 10 earlier this month adding to her early season wins.

Lindsey Lyes (The Ark Cycles) led the fight behind for the remaining podium positions taking second in 2-12-45 while quickest veteran Maria Powell (Bristol South Cycling Club) finished third (2-13-22).

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

Results

Men
1 Arthur Franklin (FTP Fulfil the Potential Racing) 1:48.49
2 Rob Walker (AeroLab Ward WheelZ) 1:49.23
3 Jake Sargent (FTP (Fulfil The Potential) Racing) 1:52.34

Women
1 Megan Dickerson (Skoda DSI Cycling Academy) 2:00.18
2 Lindsey Lyes (The Ark Cycles) 2:12.45
3 Maria Powell (Bristol South Cycling Club) 2:13.22