Liam Bard (GTR - Return to Life p/b Streamline) took his first victory since 2019 at the Exeter Wheelers CC Sporting 17, while Alice Lake (Cranbrook Cycle Club) was a convincing winner in the women’s event.

32-year-old Bard only raced twice in a short campaign last season but began 2022 with a bang, winning the sporting event over 17 miles in 36 minutes and 59 seconds – over a minute clear of his nearest challenger.

Cold but dry conditions greeted riders for the event over two laps of a course starting and finishing at Clyst St George.

Heading out on the B3179 riders had to tackle Globe Hill on the way through Woodbury before completing a loop over to Blackhill Quarry and Four Firs Cross before making the return journey back to Clyst St George.

Making a roundabout turn shortly after the start/finish competitors completed the course twice.

Bard’s best result last season was fourth in the City Cycle Couriers 10 after missing racing in 2020, but he returned to the top step on this occasion finishing a minute and three seconds faster than his rival.

Simon Marshall, riding for host club Exeter Wheelers CC, finished in an open-best second position clocking a time of 38-02.

Completing the podium positions was fastest junior rider Reuben Heal (Mid Devon CC) completing the course in 38-23.

In the women’s event Lake was a clear winner recording a winning time of 46 minutes and 37 seconds on her first open outing.

Tara Grosvenor (VeloVitesse/ALLCAP/James Barry) finished second in 48-05 while Martina Geraghty (Penzance Wheelers CC) was third place finisher in 50-10.

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

Results:
Men:

1 Liam Bard (GTR - Return to Life p/b Streamline) 36:59
2 Simon Marshall (Exeter Whs CC) 38:02
3 Reuben Heal (Mid Devon CC) 38:23
4 Mark Szender (Exeter Whs CC) 40:22
5 Andrew Whittemore (Exeter Whs CC) 40:36
6 Josh Coyne (Bpm Coaching) 41:21

Women:
1 Alice Lake (Cranbrook Cycle Club) 46:37
2 Tara Grosvenor (VeloVitesse/ALLCAP/James Barry) 48:05
3 Martina Geraghty (Penzance Wheelers CC) 50:10
4 Urszula Donigiewicz (Cranbrook Cycle Club) 54:29
5 Jodeci Pugsley (University of Exeter Cycling Club) 57:15