Mason Durant began his season with an emphatic victory in the men’s event at the Wrekinsport CC Hilly 18-mile time trial on Saturday afternoon, while Bethan Till finished as fastest female.

Paramount CT rider Durant, 35 and from Shrewsbury, clocked 41-28 on his way to first place, with Legato Racing Team’s Joseph Costello second in 42-02.

Tim Beardmore (Bridgnorth Cycling Club) and Robbie Disney (Ludlow CC) claimed joint third after both finishing in 42-25.

There was triple delight for the host club in the women’s event, with Till fastest in 53-39 and then two further Wrekinsport CC riders in the top three, with Victoria Doran finishing in 1-01-25 and a time of 1-01-49 helping Helen Blake to the final podium place.

Costello enjoyed a successful day as he was also fastest veteran on standard with a time of +09.23, ahead of Beacon Roads CC rider Simon Dighton who registered +06.58.

Durant will be delighted to open his campaign with a first victory in 11 months, since winning the Velotik RT 15-mile time trial on April 3 2022, and will have high hopes for continuing this year in similar vein.

The event, run on course K21/18e, starts just south of Stableford and proceeds north until the junction of B4379, where riders turn back and head south-west past Sutton Maddock and Norton until reaching Bridgnorth and then east along Wolverhampton Road through Roughton and heading north to finish by Ackton Hill.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Mason Durant (Paramount CT)      41.28

2. Joseph Costello (Legato Racing Team)      42.02

=3. Tim Beardmore (Bridgnorth Cycling Club)         42.25

=3. Robbie Disney (Ludlow CC)       42.25

5. Simon Dighton (Beacon Roads CC)          43.17

6. Paul Duncan (Mid-Shropshire Wheelers)               43.53

Women:

1. Bethan Till (Wrekinsport CC)        53.29

2. Victoria Doran (Wrekinsport CC)              1:01.25

3. Helen Blake (Wrekinsport CC)      1:01.49