Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) showed his course knowledge to take an emphatic victory in the Thanet RC 25, while Eryka Smith (VC Deal) was the only woman competitor.

Meanwhile, Paul Burrows (Thanet RC) took an impressive win in the road bike category with his time placing him third overall.

Fennell, aged 31, went close to his course best in a winning time of 50 minutes and 29 seconds, over three minutes clear of his nearest rival.

The undulating Q25/10 saw competitors start near St Nicholas-at-Wade on the A28 on a brief outward leg before turning onto the A299 and completing two out-and-back legs to the turn outside Herne Bay.

Scratch rider Fennell had won his previous three open time trials coming into the event and continued his run with a fourth victory of the season.

A close battle for second saw veteran Martin Kober (Abellio - SFA Racing Team) clock 54-05 which was nine seconds faster than Paul Burrows (Thanet RC) in 54-14.

Fennell also helped his hosting club to the team prize alongside Paul Burrows 54-14 and Mat Lister 55-46.

Meanwhile, the best veteran on age adjusted time was Mark Vowells (San Fairy Ann CC) with his time adjusted to 50-05.

“It was great to ride the Q25/10 this year, having been my local 25-mile course for many years,” said Fennell.

“It still remains one of, if not my favourite and I always go really well on it, despite it being undulating.

“It was a beautiful morning with almost perfect conditions, and the times reflect that.

“I was very pleased with my ride, only a couple of seconds off my course best.

“But that sub 50-minute ride still just eludes me on that course. It was great to see everyone out supporting, and plenty of familiar faces make it even better to pick up the fastest time at my club’s event.”

Veteran rider Burrows has made the road bike category his own in the district this season and recorded his fifth category victory from as many open events.

The only other competitor in the open road bike competition was Malcolm Strickland (CC Bexley) who clocked 1-40-23.

Eryka Smith (VC Deal) was the only female rider and completed the course on her road bike in 1-15-52.

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

Results
1 Nic Fennell (Thanet RC)           50.29
2 Martin Kober (Abellio - SFA Racing Team)       54.05
3 Paul Burrows (Thanet RC)       54.14
4 Mat Lister (Thanet RC)              55.46
5 Mark Hill (VeloRefined Rule 5)              56.18
6 Paul Smith (VeloRefined Rule 5)          56.38
7 Gary Grayland (CC Bexley)     56.56
8 Simon Henderson (Thanet RC)             57.14
9 Anthony Westwood (Gravesend CC) 58.08
10 Rod McCool (VC Deal)           1:00.39

Team: Thanet RC (Nic Fennell 50.29; Paul Burrows 54.14; Mat Lister 55.46)

Veteran on age adjusted time: Mark Vowells (San Fairy Ann CC)             50.05

Road bikes
1 Paul Burrows (Thanet RC)       54.14
2 Malcolm Strickland (CC Bexley)          1:40.23

Woman: Eryka Smith (VC Deal)               1:15.52