Nathan Russell (trainSharp) took his first open time trial victory finishing 49 seconds clear of his rivals at the East Sussex CA 15, while Sally Turner (HUUB WattShop) dominated the women’s event.

Russell, aged 34, has come close to victory in a host of open events over the last two years but the top spot has eluded him until now.

On this occasion he was not to be denied setting a winning time of 38 minutes and 40 seconds which was well clear of his nearest opponent.

The GS/895 hard riders event saw competitors start and finish near the Bodle Street Green village before heading south and joining the A271 for a brief stint.

Before the five-mile mark competitors turned back onto unclassified roads climbing up the one-mile prime climb, which included Agony Hill, before the course headed up to the junction of the B2096.

After a brief spell of the B-road competitors turned back onto unclassified roads and down to the finish.

Russell was the penultimate starter after finishing third in the East Sussex CA 25 last season but went two places better on this occasion.

Veteran rider Richard Cartland (HuntBikeWheels.Com) took the hill prime covering the one-mile distance in 3-03 but had to settle for second place overall stopping the clock in 39-31.

Meanwhile, Owen Vidler (Hastings & St. Leonards CC) finished third with a time of 41-07 which was 17 seconds quicker than Samuel Benge (TrainSharp).

Russell also led TrainSharp to the team prize alongside Benge and Paul Fletcher.

In the women’s event veteran rider Turner clocked a winning time of 42-03 which was good enough for sixth place overall.

Last season Turner finished sixth in the National 10-mile Championships and won the Hemel Hempstead 10 and started her 2023 campaign in winning style.

The battle for second was a closer one with Olivia Webb (Eastbourne Rovers CC) posting a time of 46-29 which was 14 seconds faster than Kate Thomas (Lewes Wanderers CC).

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Results:

Men:

1. Nathan Russell (trainSharp) 38.40
2. Richard Cartland (HuntBikeWheels.Com) 39.31
3. Owen Vidler (Hastings & St. Leonards CC) 41.07
4. Samuel Benge (TrainSharp) 41.24
5. Adam Rogers (Eastbourne Rovers CC) 41.50
6. Dimitar Pachev (Hastings & St. Leonards CC) 43.36

Women:
1. Sally Turner (HUUB WattShop) 42.03
2. Olivia Webb (Eastbourne Rovers CC) 46.29
3. Kate Thomas (Lewes Wanderers CC) 46.43
4. Iona Mitchell (Hastings & St. Leonards CC) 47.32