Matt Chipping posted a new course record on his way to winning the open event at the West Cheshire TTCA 50-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Hayley Wells finishing as fastest female.

The existing course record, set by George Elliott, was broken three times over the course of the event with each of the top three going under the old mark.

Leeds and Bradford Tri Club’s Chipping ultimately emerged on top in 1:51-01, seeing off stiff competition from George Elliott (Liverpool Century RC) who set 1:51-25, while Chris Standidge (Total Tri Training) sealed third place in what was briefly a course record of 1:51-52.

This was Chipping’s first ride of 2024, and his eighth ever, from which he has won previous victory, coming at the Darlington CC/VTTA North 50-mile time trial in August 2023.

Standidge did claim the top prize for best veteran on Age Adjusted Time, finishing ahead of Christopher Riley and Alan Broadbent.

In the women’s event, Wrekinsport CC rider Wells clocked 2:08-06 to finish comfortably ahead of runner-up Penny Thorn, of Port Sunlight Wheelers, in 2:19-40 with Liverpool Phoenix CC (Aintree) rider Janet Fairclough taking the final spot on the podium in 2:28-32.

On her win, Wells said: “Tough crosswinds added further challenges to this undulating course, but I stuck to my game plan and didn’t go out too hard.

“It was nice to see a few more ladies in the field today. Chuffed to take another open win this season.

“Thanks to the marshals and organisers standing out in the chilly conditions this morning.”

This event, run on the D350/2 course, starts just south of Whitchurch on the A49 and heads southbound through Hadnall, turning at Battlefield Church mini roundabout to follow the route back northbound along the A49, then again encircling the roundabout at Prees Heath , returning south again to Battflefield Church, then once more going north to finish just south of Prees Village.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Matt Chipping (Leeds & Bradford Tri Club)          1:51.01

2. George Elliott (Liverpool Century RC)      1:51.25

3. Thomas Garbett (Total Tri Training)           1:51.52

4. Chris Standidge (Total Tri Training)           1:51.59

5. Dan Elliot (TricentralUK)   1:55.58

6. Simon Romei (Paramount CRT)    1:56.28

Women:

1. Hayley Wells (Wrekinsport CC)     2:08.06

2. Penny Thorn (Port Sunlight Wheelers)       2:19.40

3. Janet Fairclough (Liverpool Phoenix CC)  2:28.32

4. Lynsey Astles (Congleton CC)       2:28.53

5. Helen Tudor (Oswestry Paragon CC)         2:36.00