Debut win for Jones, Sparks on fire at West Kent 25
Chris Jones earned a first-ever open time trial success in the men’s event at the West Kent Road Club 25-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Maria Sparks the fastest woman.
Bynea Cycling Club rider Jones finished in 55-50, just over one minute ahead of Thanet RC’s Paul Burrows who clocked 56-56, while a time of 57-45 helped Pete Elms (VC Deal) to take the final spot on the podium.
On his 13th ride of the season Jones secured his first win, with a previous best this year of third place at the Bynea CC 10-mile time trial on May 27, while he also managed second place at the 25-mile East Sussex CA on September 11 last year.
In the women’s event Sparks registered 1:04-52 for the top prize with Ashford Wheelers clubmate Lesley Newman managing 1:31-20 for second place on a road bike.
In the men’s road bike category, Burrows was fastest in 56-56 to add to his overall second place, while GS Invicta’s Tim Kingston was runner-up in 1:02-37, just five seconds ahead of the 1:02-42 set by Alexander Bellinger of Dulwich Paragon CC.
This event, run on the A25/8 course, starts on the A252 just east of Molash, and heads east to Milton Manor then turns and follows the route back on A28 through Chilham fork, bearing left to the A2070 on Willesborough Road then again following back to Chilham fork and rejoining A252 then heading westwards to finish just past Chilham Castle.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.
Results:
Men:
1. Chris Jones (Bynea Cycling Club) 55.50
2. Paul Burrows (Thanet RC) 56.56
3. Pete Elms (VC Deal) 57.45
4. Alexander Luisi (Bath CC) 58.09
5. Sebastian Harrison (Islington CC) 59.50
6. Tim Kingston (GS Invicta) 1:02.37
Women:
1. Maria Sparks (Ashford Wheelers) 1:04.52
2. Lesley Newman (Ashford Wheelers) 1:31.20