Nicholas Fennell clinched victory as fastest male at the Medway Velo Club 25-mile time trial in Kent on Sunday morning, while quickest woman was Rebecca Wilson.

In dry and bright conditions, Thanet RC rider Fennell lived up to his pre-race status as Spindata favourite finishing in 51-03, more than a minute ahead of VeloRefined-Rule 5’s Andrew Meilak who took the runners-up spot, while third place went to James Odendaal (Army Cycling) in 53-21.

Fennell bounced back from his second place at the Gravesend CC 25-mile time trial on May 14, having previously racked up wins at the Medway Velo Club 10-mile time trial on May 13, the Wigmore CC 25 a week before, the VTTA Kent Group Champs 10 on April 23 and the Kent CA 10-mile time trial on April 16.

“It was good to ride the new Q25/3 course for the first time this year as the previous events had to be shortened due to road works,” said Fennell. “I enjoy that stretch of road for time trials as the surface is good and it's not normally too busy.

“Medway Velo had done a great job of organising this event and the 10 the weekend previous. It was a fairly tough day with the north easterly wind making it a slog from Brenzett to Ashford.

“I was happy with my time as it’s the fastest 25 for me this season, I’m looking forward to getting the next go on the course.”

In the women’s event, Wilson, riding for Rye & District Wheelers CC, finished in 1:16-57 to win the women’s event and beat Lesley Newman (Ashford Wheelers) who registered 1:25-32.

This event, run on the Q25/3 course, was new and well-received by the competitors. It starts just south of Hamstreet and runs along the A2070 between Brenzett and Ashford.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC)        51.03

2. Andrew Meilak (VeloRefined Rule 5)        52.25

3. James Odendaal (Army Cycling)    53.21

4. Neil Lauder (Arctic Aircon RT)     53.26

5. Huseyin Vardal (Gemini BC)         55.15

6. Mark Hill (VeloRefined Rule 5)     55.34

Women:

1. Rebecca Wilson (Rye & District Wh)         1:16.57

2. Lesley Newman (Ashford Wheelers)          1:25.32