The Independent Pedaler – Nopinz riders Christopher Fennell and Alex Clay charged to victories in the men’s and women’s categories at the Medway Velo Club 10.

With the National Circuit Championships just three weeks away both riders showed their form while 25-year-old Clay broke the women’s course record, finishing four minutes clear of her nearest women’s rival and third place overall.

Meanwhile, her team-mate Fennell had to stop and deal with a dropped chain before recovering to win in a time of 20-07.

The Q10/6 course saw riders start on the A252 near Chilham and then join the main out and back course on the A28 towards Canterbury and then on the return leg continuing on the A28 down to the finish near Godmersham.

Wet conditions greeted riders, but a lack of wind helped to improve times.

On his only other outing this season Fennell won the Redmon CC 10 in 19-29, going 38 seconds slower on this occasion due to his mechanical problem.

Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) once again had to settle for second behind his brother while Clay finished in a fine third place.

Mark Hill (VeloRefined Rule 5) and Neil Harrigan (Gemini BC) had to share the honour of quickest veteran on scratch, sharing fourth place in 22-41.

Para-cyclist Paul Simmons (Abellio - SFA Racing Team) finished in 24-21.

Last season Clay finished second in the National 100, 50, 10 and Circuit Championships.

The 25-year-old, from Wingham in Kent, showed she is ready to challenge once again this season recording an average speed of 27.17 miles per hour.

Veteran Rebecca Wilson (Rye & District Wheelers CC) took second in 26-16 ahead of fellow category rider Susan Walbrook (Thanet RC) (27-38).

Fastest junior was Tallulah Butcher (Thanet RC) in 28-21.

“It was my first race of the season and I didn’t know what to expect of myself, so I was pleased with it,” said Clay.

“The 10 is not my preferred distance as it’s quite short and sharp. It went as smoothly as possible for a training race despite the weather not being ideal.

“It was good to get out there and test the lungs as racing is so different to training. The Closed Circuit will be my first national and I aim to be at all the national events this season.

“It would also be nice to have a strong team for the 3-up National Team Time Trial which was off last year due to Covid.

“I’m hoping to have a bit more of a normal season.”

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