Andy Thomas picked up his first win of the season with victory on actual time in the open category at the VTTA East Midlands Bert Christian Memorial 25-mile time trial on Saturday afternoon, with Beth Grogan top in the women’s grouping.

Riding for Lindsey Roads CC, Thomas posted 51-56 on actual time to claim a first triumph in just over three years, since winning the Lincoln Wheelers 10 in August 2021, and a first win from 11 rides so far this season with a previous best finish of third at the Sheffrec CC 10 in May.

In second was ADDFORM Vive Le Velo’s Neil Cleminshaw in 52-38, while Matthew Uttley (Team Bottrill) rounded out the top three in 53-01.

Grogan (Selby Cycling Club) was quickest female in 58-35 ahead of Nicole Wells (Tactic UK WRT) who stopped the clock in 1:02-02.

On Age Adjusted Time, Richard Oakes came top for Team Ohten Aveas in 45-46 ahead of team-mate Mike Twelves who finished in 46-37, while a time of 46-54 helped Mick Stevens of Melton Olympic Cycling Club, to third place.

Fastest female on Age Adjusted Time was Kathryn Smith (Sleaford Wheelers Cycling Club) in 50-34, ahead of Sarah Harrison (Trek Sheffield) in 53-06 and third-placed Sarah Foulds (Team VC) in 59-18.

Thanks to the work of Oakes and Twelves, alongside Robert West, Team Ohten Aveas claimed the top team prize in a combined 2:25-00.

The winner was presented with the Bert Christian memorial trophy, in honour of the long-serving and popular club member who inspired many young riders across the region.

Riders enjoyed warm conditions but a breezy day made it hard going on the way out on the A25/34 course near Newark in Nottinghamshire.

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

Results:

Age Adjusted Times:

Open:

1. Richard Oakes (Team Ohten Aveas)  45.46

2. Mike Twelves (Team Ohten Aveas)     46.37

3. Mick Stevens (Melton Olympic Cycling Club)              46.54

4. Julian Ramsbottom (Team Bottrill)    48.43

Women:

1. Kathryn Smith (Sleaford Wheelers Cycling Club)       50.34

2. Sarah Harrison (Trek Sheffield)           53.06

3. Sarah Foulds (Team VC)         59.18

Actual Fastest:

Open:

1. Andy Thomas (Lindsey Roads CC)     51.56

2. Neil Cleminshaw (ADDFORM Vive Le Velo)   52.38

3. Matthew Uttley (Team Bottrill)            53.01

4. Phillip Tyas (Barnsley Road Club)      53.33

Women:

1. Beth Grogan (Selby Cycling Club)      58.35

2. Nicole Wells (Tactic UK WRT)              1:02.02