Andy Critchlow (Paceline RT) smashed the course record on his way to winning the Sussex CA 50 by over four minutes, while Drew Sheffield (FTP (Fulfil the Potential) RT) won the road bike event by over five minutes.

Veteran rider Critchlow posted a winning time of one hour, 42 minutes and 21 seconds to win the event which incorporated the Surrey and Sussex 50 Championship.

The 49-year-old also took three minutes off his own course record of 1-45-26 which was set three years ago.

The early Sunday morning event saw the temperature rise throughout the morning from 16 to 24 degrees Celsius and a south-east wind which sprang up from five to 15 miles per hour tested riders.

The foundation of Critchlow’s course record ride was a first half of 50-55 and despite feeling he went out too hard the Paceline RT rider hung on during a difficult second half which including most of the 1,700 feet of climbing.

Second was Howard Shaw (trainSharp) with an association record by a Sussex club member of 1-46-49.

He was pushed all the way by Chris Coxon (Brighton Mitre CC) who finished just 17 seconds further back.

Fourth was Paceline RT’s Pat Wright in 1-47-36 ahead of Howard Bayley (Blazing Saddles) in fifth, despite doing the last mile on a rough road with an almost flat tyre.

Spindata had predicted that Critchlow would finish in 1-46-56 but in reality he smashed that time by over four minutes.

The previous day Critchlow also won the Epsom CC 10 in 19-09 and recorded his seventh open time trial win of the season in the Sussex CA 50.

“I’m really pleased with that ride after this week,” said Critchlow. “I hadn’t been feeling too great and struggled all week and felt like I was coming down with something.

“So I was a bit nervous going into the weekend. I was really pleased to get a win in Saturday’s 10 and posting a decent time.

“I think the Sussex 50 course is brilliant, I think it’s one of the best in the country. It’s got a bit of everything, country lanes, technical sections, a fast section on a dual carriageway and a big climb. It’s just a nice place to ride your bike.

“I’m now going to France for some recovery. I’m nearly 50 so I think it’s unrealistic to think that I can sustain my form all season.

“I’m targeting a big end of the season with the national 10, 25 and 100.”

After finishing third Coxon helped Brighton Mitre CC to the team award alongside David Huckell and Don Parker.

There were no female competitors after the only woman entrant decided not to start.

Veteran Drew Sheffield (FTP (Fulfil the Potential) RT) took an emphatic victory in the road bike event posting a winning time of 2-07-46.

Sheffield also won the Oxonian CC 50 earlier in June and continued his winning run this time out.

Some 5-27 behind in second position was Alex Bonzi (Brighton Phoenix) who stopped the clock in 2-13-13, while Tony Reeves (GS Stella) was just seven seconds further back with 2-13-20.

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

Results

1             Andy Critchlow  Paceline RT         1:42:21

2             Howard Shaw                              trainSharp                         1:46:49

3             Cris Coxon                                    Brighton Mitre C.C.         1:47:06

4             Pat Wright                                   Paceline RT                       1:47:36

5             Howard Bayley                            Blazing Saddles                1:50:01

6             John Franklin                               Twickenham C.C.             1:50:26

Team: Brighton Mitre CC (Cris Coxon, David Huckell, Don Parker)

Road bikes

1             Drew Sheffield                            FTP (Fulfil the Potential) RT      2:07:46

2             Alex Bonzi                                    Brighton Phoenix                        2:13:13

3             Tony Reeves                                GS Stella                                       2:13:20

4             Mo Ansari                                    Charlotteville CC                         2:35:06

5             Chris Parker                      Hastings + St. Leonards CC       2:47:47