In-form Gill and Rea victorious in Zeus CRT 10
Michael Gill (AeroLab Ward WheelZ) set a new course record on his way to victory in the Zeus CRT 10-mile time trial in Northumberland on Sunday, while Joanne Rea (Blaydon CC) was best female rider.
He clocked 18-26 to take the win in a strong field of riders by 28 seconds from Team Bottrill’s Tom Hutchinson, while Lewis Wake of Team Kirkley Cycles was another nine seconds back in third.
The event near Bedlington used the M101 course, and despite a slight delay because of roadworks there were plenty of fast times posted with only one roundabout featuring on the dual carriageway course.
“The course isn’t as easy as it looks on paper and conditions didn’t really suggest it would be that quick so I was pleased with my time,” said Gill. “There were a lot of good rides on Sunday so it’s a good confidence boost to come away with the win and course record.”
Also breaking the course record was Josh Charlton who set a new mark for juniors of 19-41 for sixth spot overall.
Blaydon CC’s Joanne Rea clocked 22-38 to win the women’s category, while team-mate Claire Harlow was second in 24-28 and Vicky Gibbs (Reifen Racing) third, another 13 seconds back.
Fastest veteran on actual time was GS Metro’s Carl Donaldson in 19-43, while one to watch for the future was Fin Robertson (Derwentside CC) who is more usually seen riding cyclo-cross or road racing, but he clocked 19-15 for fourth overall.
The event was also the regional championships for affiliated clubs, with Lewis Wake (Team Kirkley Cycles) winning the men’s title with 19-03, Rea taking the women’s prize, while best vet on standard was Philip Kennell (GS Metro) with +7.10 and top female on standard was Gibbs with +4.01.
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