Kelly Murphy (AWOL O’Shea Worx) and John Archibald (HUUB-WattShop) proved victorious at round two of the Merlin Cycles Classic Time Trial Series in Staffordshire on a gloriously sunny Good Friday morning.

Murphy clocked 1-05-39, the 33-yuear-old from Sutton Coldfield easing to victory in the women’s event by almost seven minutes from Melissa Denman (Velo Bavarian) while Jessica Denman (Ilkeston CC) was third.

Scotland’s Archibald, 32, covered the men’s course in 1-16-36 which was over five minutes clear of HUUB-WattShop team-mate Will Lowden in 1-22-15, while David Fellows (Solihull CC) was just 19 seconds further back in third spot.

The event used the triangular J8/3 circuit near Longnor in Staffordshire, with the elite men take in three laps for a 33-mile distance while other categories cover the picturesque circuit twice and cover 22 miles.

“I’m really pleased with my ride, it went really well,” said Archibald, who now lives in Stafford after moving from Glasgow.

“I last rode this event in 2019 and I was quicker this time so that’s nice as it’s my first ride of the year. Conditions were great, nice and sunny and with a cross-headwind on the climb and tailwind back down.

“It’s a nice event and a good series, I next plan to ride the round near Worcester and the Peebles event in Scotland next month too.”

And fastest female Murphy added: “I’ve only done one other time trial this year as I’ve been focussing on the track, so it’s great to get a win and see how my legs are.

“I rode this course before a few years ago and it’s memorable, there are different sections – punchy bits, sharp climbs, and some bits where you can recover.

“I’m definitely doing more time trials this season, but my focus is on riding the track for Ireland, next riding the team pursuit at the Nations Cup in Canada.”

Organised by Buxton CC-Sett Valley Cycles, the event is sponsored by Hotel Milano Helvetia in Italy, who are offering free stays for the winners of the men’s and women’s categories as well as discounts to all other competitors.

In other categories Richard Sharp (ADDFORM Vive le Velo) was quickest veteran on actual time with 56-40 for the two-lap course, while Nicholas Latimer (Lifting Gear Products) was second with 59-11 and Simon Hodgkinson (Lyme RC) third.

The road bikes category was won by James McKay (Cycling Sheffield) in 54-05, 1-58 better than runner-up Jude Taylor (Team PB Performance).

Lucy Rogers (Congleton CC-Mywindsock) clocked 1-12-56 to finish as fastest female on a road bike which was 5-15 better than runner-up Rachel Singleton (Belper BC).

The paracyclists prize went to Fin Graham (Para-T) with an actual time of 1-01-41 and a handicapped time of 53-41, while his team-mates Ben Watson and Jaco Van Gass were second and third.

Top junior was Abbey Thompson (Stonham Barns Park-SYRT) in 1-22-04.

The Merlin Cycles Classic Series continues with round three on April 23 near Worcester and round four near Peebles in Scotland on May 7.

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

* A gallery of images from this event is available here