Lloyd Copp (Okehampton Wheelers) got an early season win under his belt clinching the Exeter Wheelers CC (Sporting) 17 by finishing 49 seconds clear of his nearest challenger, while Alice Lake (Cranbrook Cycle Club) was equally as impressive winning the women’s event.

Copp, aged 30, won his first open in a time of 39 minutes and 23 seconds over the sporting 17-mile course in Devon.

The S7/17S saw riders start and finish in Clyst St George on the outskirts of Exeter before heading out and back along the B3179.

Once the road started to rise through Woodbury after three miles competitors turned off the B-road and continued climbing on an unclassified road before re-joining the B3179 at Four Firs Cross.

Competitors then returned to Clyst St George before turning at the roundabout past the finish and completing a second lap to make up the 17 miles.

A cold still morning greeted the riders on a typical Devon lumpy sporting course providing a stern early season test for competitors.

Copp, from Crediton in Devon, completed the lump course in an average speed of 25.899 miles per hour – improving on his third position in last week’s City Cycle Couriers RT 13.

The 30-year-old only started competing in open time trial last September with two hill climbs and has started this year in stellar form.

Rob Scott (City Cycle Couriers) led the battle behind finishing second in 40-12 which was just six seconds faster than third place and quickest veteran on scratch Craig Harper (Holsworthy Peloton) in 40-18.

In the women’s event Lake, aged 25, took her second open time trial victory of the season recording a winning time of 44-54.

Lake, who also won the City Cycle Couriers RT 13 last weekend, also won the Exeter Whls CC (Sporting) 17 last season but showed her improvement going 1-43 faster this time out.

Exeter University Triathlon Club provided a strong women’s team for their local event and filled the next five placings.

Florence Sargent led the triathletes home finishing second in 51-50 ahead of team-mate Jodeci Pugsley in third (53-22).

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

Results:

Men:

1 Lloyd Copp      Okehampton Wheelers                 39:23

2. Rob Scott        City Cycle Couriers           40:12

3.Craig Harper   Holsworthy Peloton        40:18

4. George Whitlock         1st Chard Wheelers        40:29

5. Anthony Green            Penzance Wheelers        40:54

6. Jonathan Hobbs           Okehampton Wheelers 41:23

Veteran: Chris Harper     Holsworthy Peloton        40:18    

Women               

1  Alice Lake       Cranbrook Cycle Club     44:54

2. Florence Sargent         Exeter University Triathlon Club 51:50

3. Jodeci Pugsley              Exeter University Triathlon Club 53:22

4. Katie Duffy     Exeter University Triathlon Club 53 54

5. Felice Evans   Exeter University Triathlon Club 56:07

6. Tanvee Tarare               Exeter University Triathlon Club                65:29