Robert Francis (Pronto Bikes) and Nicki Carr (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team) battled through wet conditions to take the men’s and women’s victories respectively at the Bath Cycling Club 10.

Francis, aged 25, recorded a winning time of 20 minutes and 26 seconds – some 34 seconds faster than his nearest rival.

The U375 saw riders compete on the fast A361 with competitors starting from a ‘ski ramp’ style downhill start from near Nunney.

The flat course continued around Frome with four roundabouts en route to the turn coming close to the six-mile marker. Riders then completed a slightly shorter return leg including three roundabouts.

The morning brought about conditions which were described as “pretty horrendous” with organisers deciding to go ahead with the event due to there being no standing water.

However, those brave enough to start battled against persistent rain making for challenging conditions.

Francis has had a fine start to the season winning both the Severn RC 12.2 and Gillingham & District Wheelers 18.4-mile events.

He also finished runner-up in both the Chippenham & District Wheelers and Bath Cycling Club 24 hardriders time trials.

Francis was in fine form despite the poor conditions and was the only rider to break the 21-minute mark on his way to a third open time trial win of the season.

A close battle for the remaining men’s podium positions saw Theo Anderson (Chippenham & District Wheelers) finish second in 21-00 which was a single second quicker than Dylan Griffiths (University of Bath Cycling Club).

Henry Higgins (Caesarean CC Jersey) narrowly missed out on a podium spot finishing a further four seconds back (21-05).

Quickest juvenile rider on scratch was Jack Baldie (Avid Sport) whose time of 21-21 was good enough for sixth place overall.

In the women’s event veteran rider Carr, aged 40, from Axbridge in Somerset, clocked a winning time of 23 minutes and 15 seconds.

A closer battle for second position saw Marianne Carpenter (Bath Cycling Club) stop the clock in 26-01 which was 21 seconds quicker than Kate Hoy (Pronto Bikes) (26-22).

The road bike category could not have been closer with just a single second separating the leading two riders.

George Callaway (Pronto Bikes) won the event stopping the clock in a time of 22-42 which was slightly faster than Daniel Capel-Smith (University of Bath Cycling Club).

Finishing in third position was Renzo Casale (University of Bath Cycling Club) in a time of 22-59.

In the women’s event Lizzie Wilkinson (Pronto Bikes) was the only competitor posting a time of 26-38.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Robert Francis (Pronto Bikes) 20.26
2. Theo Anderson (Chippenham & District Wh) 21.00
3. Dylan Griffiths (University of Bath CC) 21.01
4. Henry Higgins (Caesarean CC Jersey) 21.05
5. Robert Pears (Bath Cycling Club) 21.18
6. Jack Baldie (Avid Sport) 21.21

Women
1. Nicki Carr (FTP Fulfil the Potential RT) 23.15
2. Marianne Carpenter (Bath CC) 26.01
3. Kate Hoy (Pronto Bikes) 26.22

Road bikes
1. George Callaway (Pronto Bikes) 22.42
2. Daniel Capel-Smith (University of Bath CC) 22.43
3. Renzo Casale (University Of Bath CC) 22.59

Woman: Lizzie Wilkinson (Pronto Bikes) 26.38