Jake Sargent and Hannah Saitch claimed victory as fastest male and fastest female respectively at the Welsh 25-mile time trial championship on Sunday morning.

FTP Fulfil The Potential rider Sargent clocked 47-37 over the course to finish 17 seconds ahead of Marc Cox (Guernsey Velo Club) who registered 47-55, while third place was claimed by Tom Ward from Ward WheelZ in 48-18 with a packed field of 57 riders competing.

Saitch, from Horsepower Coaching, dominated the women’s field with a time of 57-23 to win the event almost two minutes ahead of runner-up from …a3crg’s Claire Emons in 59-16 and Karina Jackson (Guernsey Velo Club) who finished in 59-31.

This victory continues a great season so far for 22-year-old Sargent.

He has now won each of the six races he has entered this year, including triumphs at the 22-mile Chippenham and District event in February, as well Swindon Road Club and Swindon Wheelers 27.5-mile time and 25-mile Bristol South CC time trial in March.

With further events to come at FTP Racing on May 22 and the RTCC National 25 Championships on June 12, he will hoping to continue this fine form with the ultimate aim of competing in the National 100 later this season.

He said: “Today was the real test up against some big names like Christopher Gibbard and Tom Ward, definitely kept me pushing all the way to line and it was a bit unexpected with Tom Ward’s ridiculous course record he set last year.

“I’ve been working with him for a few years, but this year I’m seeing the biggest improvements so far and it has all come to plan.

“It was a very well-run event today, it was just nice to get out and have a good bash against some proper competition and I really enjoy riding on the Welsh roads.”

The 25-mile route, on the R25/7 course, starts on the southbound side of Monmouth Road and proceeds towards Usk, before turning left and left again at the foot of the hill then joining the A449 at Llangeview interchange.

They continue onto the A40, passing the picnic area and through the tunnel, turning left on B4293 to cross over tunnels and rejoining the A40 at Mitchel Troy and then retracing via the Raglan interchange and at Llangeview bear left (M) to leave A449 and proceed on A472 to the finish line.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.

Results:

Men:
1. Jake Sargent FTP Racing    47-37
2. Marc Cox Guernsey Velo Club      47-55
3. Tom Ward Ward WheelZ   48-18
4. Tom Scorer Royal Navy     48-26
5. Christopher Gibbard Bynea Cycling Club 48-30
6. Owen Burgess UF Rowe & King   49-49

Women:
1. Hannah Saitch Horsepower Coaching        57-23
2. Claire Emons …a3crg        59-16
3. Karina Jackson Guernsey Velo Club          59-31