Finlay Robertson (Derwentside CC) stormed to victory by nearly two minutes on his first ever 50-mile outing in the Blaydon CC 50, while Joanne Rea (Blaydon CC) continued her winning form in the women’s event.

Robertson, from Corbridge, clocked a winning time one hour, 42 minutes and 23 seconds to take his first open victory, on just his second outing.

Blaydon CC hosted the NE District Championship 50 Mile time trial on the same course as used in the National 50 last October. 

The M50 course starts in the south-east corner of Northumberland, before heading up the coast to Amble, where riders turn and head back down to complete a smaller second loop.

On the return leg the riders must complete a climb from Bedlington through the finish only to descend back down the climb before the final ascent to the finish.

In contrast to the slippery conditions experienced in last year’s National 50 the weather was warm and dry throughout.

Robertson finished fourth on his first ever open outing in the Zeus CRT 10 last month clocking 19-15 on that occasion.

Despite taking on the longer distance the 22-year-old was a clear victor finishing almost two minutes clear of his rivals.

Veteran rider Carl Donaldson (GS Metro) started as scratch rider but had to settle for second on this occasion clocking 1-44-17 which was just 23 seconds quicker than team-mate Tommy Murray (1-44-40).

Donaldson missed out on the veteran on standard prize by three seconds, won by Nev Martin of Velo Culture.

Joe Dixon (Velo Culture) was the only juvenile rider and completed the course in 1-57-05 for 24th overall.

Meanwhile, Christopher Wayman (Blumilk.com) was the fastest rider on a road bike clocking 1-59-28.

 “This was my first 50-mile time trial, so I’m obviously really pleased with that result today,” said Robertson.

“With not doing anything over a 10 before, it was a bit of a different feeling and being in the time trial position for that long is pretty uncomfortable to say the least.

“It’s hard to tell how you are doing and where you are in relation to everyone else.  It was a new course to me – I really enjoyed it but those little rises really sting towards the end. 

“I’m chuffed to take the win in a pretty competitive North-East field.”

Meanwhile, Rea was the final rider away in the women’s field posting a winning time of 1-59-03 – over six minutes clear of her nearest rival.

Rea has also taken victories in the Zeus CRT 10, Derwentside 40 and GS Metro 26 in the last month alone.

Louise Burnie (Swansea Wheelers/CS Abertawe) took second in 2-05-31 while veteran Gemma Hutchins (Blaydon CC) completed the podium places in 2-10-37.

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

Results
1 Finlay Robertson (Derwentside CC) 1:42.23
2 Carl Donaldson (GS Metro) 1:44.17
3 Tommy Murray (GS Metro) 1:44.40
4 Lewis Wake (Team Kirkley Cycles) 1:45.46
5 Julian MacBride (Team Kirkley Cycles) 1:45.57
6 Lewis Timmins (Vector Racing) 1:47.13
7 Shaun Brannan (Muckle Cycle Club) 1:48.31
8 Adam Smith (Team Kirkley Cycles) 1:49.11
9 John Routledge (Barnesbury CC) 1:50.07
10 Lee Kennedy (Army Cycling) 1:51.23

Women
1 Joanne Rea (Blaydon CC) 1:59.03
2 Louise Burnie (Swansea Wheelers/CS Abertawe) 2:05.31
3 Gemma Hutchins (Blaydon CC) 2:10.37