Jen McMahon and Lewis Wake were the fastest female and male riders at the classic Tyneside Vagabonds mountain time trial run over a tough 47-mile course in Northumberland on Sunday.

McMahon, the 34-year-old Sub Rosa rider, covered the course in 2-31-12 to finish as first female by just over 17 minutes from juvenile Elizabeth McKinnon (Derwentside CC), while Lois Jarvis (North Tyneside Riders) was 1-40 further back in third.

25-year-old Wake (Team Kirkley Cycles) was just outside the two-hour mark with 2-00-43 which gave him the win on the day by just under two minutes from Lee Cuthbertson (Muckle CC), while John Bowman (Muckle CC) was third, another couple of minutes back.

It was the 67th running of the classic event. Conditions were typical of the month: Heavy rain just as the first rider set off, leaving much of the course covered in standing water. Hopes of fast times subsided more quickly than the rain, with riders just happy to get round safely.

“I am really happy to take the win today, particularly as there was a high standard of riders throughout the entire field,” said Wake. “Typically, the north east weather wasn’t being kind, so I wasn’t feeling it at first but thankfully got settled into a good rhythm pretty quickly.  It’s a long event, so full credit to the organisers and marshals for standing out on the course in order for us all to ride.”

Fastest female and also fastest female ascent of Bilsmoor in 8-25 was Jen McMahon with an overall time of 2:31:12.

She said: “It was my first time competing on this course, and even though the conditions were pretty grim, I still enjoyed it.

“By the time my start was due the torrential showers had turned a lot lighter thankfully, but the tough head wind on the normally faster return section meant my overall time was slower. I’m really delighted to take the win in this classic event – it’s probably the most I’ve ever smiled in a TT, and great to see so many people braving the elements to cheer the riders on.”

Fastest ascent of Bilsmoor in a time of 5-35 was Steven Parsonage of Richardsons-Trek RT, but unfortunately Steven was a DNF after puncturing not far out from the finish line by all accounts.

Elsewhere in the result 81-year-old Joe Applegarth was the oldest competitor ever to compete in the event, and he got around the tough 47-mile course in a time of 3:54:55.

We spoke with Joe after his event and he confirmed that he is still enjoying his time trialling and plans to continue for as long as he possibly can, if the body allows.  He looks as fit as a fiddle.

Fastest Junior was Daniel Holmes of Derwentside CC (2:07:37) and whilst having only recently turned 16, team-mate and juvenile rider Elizabeth McKinnon put in a strong performance on a road bike to finish as second female on the day, a slight course error sadly costing her about nine minutes.

Fastest Vet was Philip Kennell of GS Metro in 2:06:22, and Michael James of Tyneside Vagabonds was the highest placed rider for the host club (2:22:37).

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

Results:

Men:

Pos      Name   Club    Cat      Time

1          Lewis Wake    Team Kirkley Cycles  Senior  2:00:43

2          Lee Cuthbertson         Muckle Cycle Club     Senior  2:02:41

3          John Bowman Muckle Cycle Club     Senior  2:04:30

4          Matty Smith    Muckle Cycle Club     Senior  2:05:50

5          John Routledge           Barnesbury CC           Senior  2:05:57

6          Philip Kennell GS Metro        Vet      2:06:22

7          Stephen Magrath         Blaydon CC    Senior  2:06:25

8          Daniel Kane    Muckle Cycle Club     Senior  2:06:47

9          Chris Burns     Reifen Racing Vet      2:07:18

10        Daniel Holmes            Derwentside CC         Junior  2:07:37

Women:

Pos      Name   Club    Cat      Time

1          Jen McMahon Sub Rosa         Senior  2:31:12

2          Elizabeth McKinnon   Derwentside CC         Juvenile           2:48:15

3          Lois Jarvis       North Tyneside Riders CC     Senior  2:49:55

4          Caroline Cunningham North Tyneside Riders CC     Vet      2:51:08