Robert Francis and Corinne Clark powered to early-season victories at the Severn Road Club time trial, which was moved to a 12.5-mile course because of roadworks.

Francis, the 26-year-old who rides for Pronto Bikes, was down as pre-race favourite according to national rankings system Spindata. And so it proved with a time of 25-44 giving him the win by 46 seconds from Tony Chapman (Frome and District Wheelers), while third was William Haynes (Cheltenham & County CC) who was just four seconds further back.

It was close between fourth and fifth too, with Haynes’ team-mate at Cheltenham & County CC Harry Walton being eight seconds back and colleague Mike Skidmore fifth, just one second behind Walton.

Corinne Clark, the 38-year-old Swindon Wheelers rider, clocked 31-11 to win the women’s category by 49 seconds from Kate Medlicott of Pronto Bikes, while Joanna Knight (Bristol South CC) completed the podium with 34-52.

Fastest tricycle was Jymmy Trevor (Jem Hadar) with 35-26, while top two-up team was The Ark Cycles pairing of Elizabeth Williams and Ellie Mackman in 28-59, 44 seconds better than Simon Healey (Andover Wheelers) and Gerry McGarr (Gloucester City CC) in 29-43.

Francis enjoyed a handful of open time trial victories last season, and looks set to get some more wins under his belt in 2023 too. He has entered next Sunday’s Chippenham and District Wheelers 22-mile event, as well as the Bath CC 24 the following weekend – both being part of the Western TTA Hardriders Series.

Meanwhile Corinne Clark is also targeting more wins, having entered the Chippenham and District Wheelers 22 next weekend as well as the Bath CC 24 and Swindon Road Club and Swindon Wheelers 27.5-mile event the following weekend.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Robert Francis (Pronto Bikes)        25.44

2. Tony Chapman (Frome & Dist Wh)           26.30

3. William Haynes (Cheltenham & County CC)        26.34

4. Harry Walton (Cheltenham & County CC)            26.42

5. Mike Skidmore (Cheltenham & County CC)         26.43

6. Dan Leatherbarrow (Cheltenham & County CC)   26.51

Women:

1. Corinne Clark (Swindon Wheelers)            31.11

2. Kate Medlicott (Pronto Bikes)        32.00

3. Joanna Knight (Bristol South CC)  34.52

4. Emily Kate Walton (Bristol South CC)      35.11

5. Nichola Rorke (Exeter Wheelers)   35.48