Nathanael Thould earned his first ever senior open time trial victory in finishing as fastest male at the Icknield Road Club 15-mile time trial in Buckinghamshire on Sunday morning, while Karine Jones earned the quickest female crown.

The 16-year-old, riding for the promoting club, produced an impressive time of 48-22 to seal success just weeks before sitting his GCSE exams, with John Jones (Verulam Really Moving) 35 seconds back in 48-57, while the podium was completed by North Bucks Road Club’s Robert Saunders who clocked 51-17 over the course.

Thould’s first win, in his first time trial of the 2023 season, will prove a massive confidence boost having previously finished third at the National Youth Championship for Under-17 riders London North DC on June 11 2022.

On his success, the teenager said: “It hasn’t quite sunk in as I’ve had to get straight back to school work!

“It’s down to development and the club has been really good at letting me develop at my own pace. With exams at the moment, I haven’t been able to race as much so it’s about enjoying it and getting faster. Not winning has allowed to let me aspire to win.

“After my exams, it will be a long summer of racing and making the most of training and racing and having fun with it. I have the National Youth Championships and I think that will be a really good marker of my progress.

“I won’t set myself any expectations, I will go where it takes me.”

Verulam Really Moving tasted further success than to Jones’ triumph in the women’s race, finishing in 55-16 while host club rider Christine Tovey was second in 1:20-44.

The small field of 13 riders, with three not starting and one not finishing, enjoyed near perfect conditions over the looped course in Buckinghamshire.

This 15-mile event, run on the F12/30K course, starts just south-west of Cheddington, heading northeast to Cheddington to turn northbound towards Mentmore, skirting Mentmore Park and winding westwards to turn southbound at Wingrave until reaching Long Marston where riders proceed north-east, passing the start point and continuing to complete a second circuit then finishing just short of Mentmore Park.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Nathaneal Thould (Icknield RC)    48.22

2. John Jones (Verulam Really Moving)        48.57

3. Robert Saunders (North Bucks RC)           51.17

4. John Lacey (Hemel Hempstead CC)          51.30

5. Adrian James (Verulam CC)          53.23

6. Sean McDougall (Icknield RC)      53.23

Women:

1. Karine Jones (Verulam Really Moving)     55.16

2. Christine Tovey (Icknield RC)       1:20.44