Nicholas Fennell completed a ninth consecutive open time trial victory as quickest man at the Kent Cycling Association 25-mile time trial in Betteshanger Park on Sunday morning, with Jennifer George finishing as fastest female and second overall in the field.

Thanet RC rider Fennell continued his dominant form by posting 52-17 in the men’s event, significantly ahead of clubmate Matthew Lister, who clocked 57-37 while third place went to VC Deal member Pete Elms.

Fennell has failed to win just once this season, with a second place at the Gravesend CC 25-mile time trial on May 14 the only blip in an otherwise stellar campaign.

“It was good to be back at Bettshanger for the 25 for another open event this morning,” said Fennell.

“Thanet RC run their Wednesday club evening 10s there. It's where my brother and myself really got into time trialling, so always nice to ride there. Unfortunately I don't get to the evening events much anymore as I have moved a bit further away. But that makes it that much more enjoyable when I do get to ride there and good to see so many friendly faces supporting.

“It was tough conditions this morning despite the wind being in a pretty good direction. It was just a bit too strong, which slowed the main straight down too much for fast times and made me consider front wheel choice before the start. It's always nice not to having to worry about the traffic being a closed circuit.

“Overall I am pleased with my performance and time given the conditions.”

George, riding for HUUB WattShop, clocked 56-26 on her way to finishing second overall and first woman, with Faye Faiers continuing a good day for Thanet RC with the runners-up spot in 1:09-39 and teammate Nina Reid taking the final spot on the podium in 01:24-14.

On her victory she said: “I wasn't expecting that! I didn't think of the time, I couldn't find a course record or any results to base it off and I knew the wind would have a big thing to say about the speed you could achieve.

“It was a very windy course, very little tailwind and mainly head-cross and cross-head swirling! It was tough on the back end of the course and felt like it got stronger through the race.

“There were a lot of laps but it was nice to catch and pass people! I enjoyed the race as I had been away since British Nationals with work and so wanted a course I could get my teeth into and see where I am at for the next part of the session.”

There was also success for Ed Blowers, Dave Carter and Lewis Barnes with the three-up road bike trio post 1:01-14, while two-up road bike pair Sally Smith and Aiga Kolosova (Medway Velo Club) clocked 1:10-09.

George was also the best veteran on standard time in +15-46, with Elms managed +11-36 and Simon Henderson (Thanet RC) was +11-26.

This event is being run on the Q25/42 course, sees riders complete five anti-clockwise laps of Betteshanger Park, starting on the tarmac cycle path and following it in circles for 25 miles.

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

Results:

Overall:

1. Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC)  52.17

2. Jennifer George (HUUB WattShop)      56.26

3. Matthew Lister (Thanet RC)     57.37

4. Pete Elms (VC Deal)     57.47

5. Alex Milne (Ashford Tri Club)  58.01

6. Simon Henderson (Thanet RC)               59.06

Women:

1. Jennifer George (HUUB WattShop)      56.26

2. Faye Faiers (Thanet RC)             1:09.39

3. Nina Reid (Thanet RC)                1:24.14