Jozsef Owen claimed a third win of the season with victory at the Chester Road Club 25-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Deb Hutson-Lumb being the quickest female on the course.

Riding for ADDFORM Vive Le Velo, Owen was the only rider to go under 50 minutes. He clocked 48-38 to seal victory and live up to his status as pre-race Spindata favourite ahead of George Elliott (Liverpool Century RC) in 50-04, while Velotik Racing Team’s Toby Williams claimed the final spot on the podium in 50-14.

Having opened his season with wins at the Birkenhead North End CC 22-mile time trial on March 29, then success at the Manchester Bicycle Club 10-mile time trial on April 1 before third spot at the Macclesfield Wheelers 25-mile time trial on April 20, Owen has now returned to winning ways again.

On his win, Owen said: “With the recent resurfacing I knew this course would be fairly quick despite the odd lump. The conditions were great with sunshine and a gentle wind which is always welcome.

“I was happy to come away with the win and a distance PB and happier still to grab a cake and coffee back at HQ courtesy of CRC and the helpers. Thanks to all involved for a safe, well organised event.”

In the women’s event, Hutson-Lumb (Wrekinsport CC) took victory in 59-49, while a time of 1:01-06 helped Joanna Cebrat (360cycling) to second place and Gail Lowe of Congleton CC – MyWindsock clinching third place in 1:01-13.

In the Age Adjusted Handicap race - the biggest section of the event with 56 of the field being over 40 – the winner was John Dromey with an adjusted time of 50-08 riding for Rhos on Sea CC with Hutson-Lumb runner-up.

After the event, Hutson-Lumb said: “I set a race plan slightly below where I'd usually want to be power wise for a 25 as I've been struggling with form so far this season. That, and a few tweaks to bike set up, seemed to work well and legs felt good.

“Unfortunately, I shipped and jammed my chain at seven miles which required freewheeling past a slip road before I could get off and sort it.

“It was a great course and hopefully one we'll see used again soon.”

This event was held on the D25/6A course, which was being ridden for the first time, and although a bit windy on the return leg, riders posted good times with many hitting PBs normally reserved for the faster courses, suggesting that on a good day the new course at Chester will be a very fast ride for some.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Jozsef Owen (ADDFORM Vive Le Velo)  48.38

2. George Elliott (Liverpool Century RC)      50.03

3. Toby Williams (Velotik Racing Team)                   50.14

4. Chris Standidge (Total Tri Training)           50.55

5. Tomos Hales (Wrekinsport CC)     51.13

6. Alan Broadbent (Graham Weigh Racing-Deeside Olympic)          52.36

7. Joe Rendall (Congleton CC)           53.09

8. Barry Murphy (Graham Weigh Racing-Deeside Olympic)            53.32

9. James Smith (Chester RC)             53.39

10. Mark Lovatt (Congleton CC)       53.43

Female:

1. Deb Hutson-Lumb (Wrekinsport CC)        59.49

2. Joanna Cebrat (360cycling)            1:01.06

3. Gail Lowe (Congleton CC) 1:01.13

4. Sarah Murray (Clwb Beicio Egni Eryi)      1:01.23

5. Samantha Howard (Mersey Tri)     1:02.33

6. Janet Fairclough (Liverpool Phoenix CC Aintree) 1:05.00

7. Moyna O’Neil (Mersey Tri)            1:21.36