Nathan Russell earned victory at the East Sussex Cycling Association 100-mile time trial, with Claire Emons securing first place in the women’s event in Sussex.

TrainSharp rider Russell finished in 4:02-43 to take top spot ahead of Christian Geldard (North Hampshire RC) who was just over a minute back in 4:03.55, while George Westall, from Royal Air Force Cycling Association, completed the podium in 4:04-34.

Russell now has his second win from seven races this season, having previously triumphed at the East Sussex CA 15.1-mile time trial on March 12.

Russell said: “I love supporting local events, most of the ESCA events are within 15 miles of my house. This is the only 100 I’ve done and each time it’s been a tough adventure. My PB from a few years ago was 4:01 something so I was aiming to break the four-hour barrier.

“The first lap was good and felt fast, I averaged just over the 25mph, the second lap I was holding steady with the plan of pushing as hard as possible on the last lap.

“Unfortunately the wind had picked up, I got unlucky with traffic in a few places and the distance was started to have a toll on me so last lap was my slowest although not by much.

“I’m dead chuffed to get a win and have to thank Theo Tadros for the support handing up bottles. I’ve also got to say chapeau to the bonkers triathletes who put their trainers on straight after finishing to go for a run!”

In the women’s event Emons was fastest in 4:28-02, the …a3crg rider seeing off competition from Lewes Wanderers CC’s Kate Mankelow who finished in 4:44-28, while a time of 4:47-55 helped Naomi Shinkins (Bournemouth Jubilee) to third place.

“It was a tough day with the wind mostly across the course which doesn’t suit me,” said Emons. “But I felt good and rather enjoyed riding a more technical undulating course, although I would have liked a few less roundabouts.”

This event, run on the G100/861 course, starts just west of Hailsham and heads northbound on the A22 then turning westbound past Lower Dicker then Golden Cross on the B2124, then turning at Lewes Road and following back to Golden Cross, where riders head northwest on the A22 to the Uckfield Bypass roundabout to then return back and continuing along to Horsebridge, where riders again turn and head back to Lewes Road.

Riders then return and back out to Uckfield Bypass roundabout, to reach Horsebridge and back to Lewes Road and one last time to Uckfield Bypass before retracing back to finish just south of Lower Dicker.

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

Results:

Men:

1. Nathan Russell (trainSharp)            4:02.43

2. Christian Geldard (North Hampshire RC)  4:03.55

3. George Westall (Royal Air Force Cycling Association)     4:04.34

4. Chris Jones (Bynea Cycling Club) 4:06.18

5. Adam Rogers (Eastbourne Rovers CC)      4:08.10

6. Roger Sheridan (North Devon Velo)          4:11.57

Women:

1. Claire Emons (a3crg)          4:28.02

2. Kate Mankelow (Lewes Wanderers CC)    4:44.28

3. Naomi Shinkins (Bournemouth Jubilee)     4:47.55

4. Anita Turner (Eastbourne Rovers CC)       5:17.10