Hugh Smith earned his first open time trial success in the men’s event at the Dursley Road Club 10-mile time trial in Gloucestershire on Saturday morning, with Katie Peace triumphing in the women’s category at an event shortened to 6.8 miles because of roadworks.

Woolwich CC rider Smith clocked 15-40 around the course to take his first victory at the 19th time of asking, finishing ahead of Velo Club Bristol’s Tom Bass in 16-07, with Bass’ teammate Rob Morgan clocking 16-24 – just one second ahead of Dursley Road Club’s Chris Lane who took fourth.

Promoting club rider Peace was able to register 18-11 for the top spot in the women’s event, while Bristol South Cycling Club’s Mary-Jane Hutchinson was second in 22-39, and a time of 24-18 helping Sophie Reece to third place.

In her first year of competition, Peace continued her eye-catching start with a dominant victory here.

On her success, her husband and race organiser Russell Peace said: “It’s her first year riding these events, so it’s really impressive. She also won the FTP road bike category a few weeks ago. It all comes down to her hard work and dedication.”

On the race, he said: “It was a good turnout, we did some chasing and all of a sudden we had a good number of riders turn out so I’m happy.”

Competing in just his second open time trial since October 2021, Smith returned in fine fashion with a maiden win, beating his previous best of third spot at the VC Walcot and Bath Club Cycling Club hill climb in October 2021.

Scheduled to be on the U7B course starting near Berkeley and heading to Gossington and back, it was shortened to just 6.8 miles due to roadworks on the route.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Hugh Smith (Woolwich CC)          15.40

2. Tom Bass (Velo Club Bristol)        16.07

3. Rob Morgan (Velo Club Bristol)    16.24

4. Chris Lane (Dursley Road Club)    16.25

5. Russell Peace (FTP Race Team)     16.33

6. Tim Fletcher (Clevedon & District Road Club)     16.40

Women:

1. Katie Peace (Dursley Road Club)   18.11

2. Mary-Jane Hutchinson (Bristol South Cycling Club)        22.39

3. Sophie Reece (Dursley Road Club)            24.18