Andrew Perkins (Mid-Devon CC) was fastest at the Cranbrook CC 10-mile time trial in Devon on Saturday morning, while his team-mate Robin Delve was quickest on a road bike over the course near Feniton.

Perkins clocked 20-58 for the S26r/10c course on the A30, which was just nine seconds short of the course record held since last May by the promoting club’s Liam Bard who was not riding in this year’s event.

The time set by Perkins was enough for victory on the day by 14 seconds from Simon Marshall, whose team-mate at Cranbrook CC Sam Rowell was another 39 seconds back in third place.

And in a strong showing for Cranbrook CC Lubos Obornik secured fourth spot with exactly 22 minutes.

Mid-Devon CC were also celebrating victory in the road bike category with Robin Delve clocking 23-43 to win by ten seconds from Alister Trendell (Honiton Spinners), while Exeter Wheelers’ James Greenaway was third on a road bike with a time of 26-50.

Perkins has been enjoying some good form so far this season, but this was his first victory in open events.

After placing tenth in the Mid-Devon CC midweek 10 three weeks ago, he went on to place third in both the Exeter Wheelers 10 and City Cycle Couriers 10 over the last fortnight.

He is next due to be in action at the Plymouth Corinthian CC 50-mile event next weekend, and has also entered the Royal Navy and Royal Marines CA midweek 10 at the end of the month.

“I’m returning to competition after a couple of years affected by illness and then a slipped disc, so I’m very pleased to get a win under my belt,” said Perkins. “I’m being coached by Conrad Moss who’s managed to get me into race shape very quickly.

“This was a great event – an interesting and honest A-road course – and very well organised by Cranbrook CC. Conditions were kind – there are three legs to the route and a light, but helpful breeze for two of them.

“Simon Marshall and Sam Rowell both beat me recently, so I knew the competition would be tough. I put in a big training block two weeks ago, and now starting to see the benefits.

“This was my 75th career win across time trials, crits and road races, so a big one - which I thought I wouldn’t reach after the injury!”

Road bike winner Robin Delve was using the event as a warm-up for the big event of the weekend, Sunday’s National Circuit Championship sponsored by Kalas, which doubles up as a round of the Merlin Cycles Classic TT Series.

Currently 33rd with just one ride in the series so far, a strong ride tomorrow could see Delve climb into the top ten overall standings.

There were no female entrants for this event.

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

Results:

1. Andrew Perkins (Mid-Devon CC)  20.58

2. Simon Marshall (Cranbrook CC)   21.12

3. Sam Rowell (Cranbrook CC)         21.51

4. Lubos Obornik (Cranbrook CC)     22.00

5. Rob Scott (City Cycle Couriers)     22.20

6. Philip Ley (North Devon Velo)       22.23

Road Bikes: Robin Delve (Mid-Devon CC)  23.43