Corinne Clark and Robert Francis secured early season wins

, powering to victory in the Bath CC 20-mile time trial in Somerset on Sunday morning.

Wet and cold conditions didn’t stop them both from recording impressive times with quickest female Clark (360 VRT) covering the course near Frome in 57-21, while fastest in the open event, Francis clocked 48-02.

The event had been moved from the usual course to a slightly shorter one due to some recently laid loose gravel on the final section, but the event still attracted a field of 47 entries.

Clark, who took the win ahead of Claire Fennell (Pronto Bikes), said: It was freezing cold and wet! It was my first time trial since last season so it was great to test the legs. It was very well organised by Bath CC and the course was great – I would highly recommend the event.

“It was raining so visibility wasn’t great, but what do you expect when racing in February in the UK?! It’s why these are called hardriders events, right?

“Winter training has been going OK, I’m running the Manchester Marathon in April so I’ve been focusing on my running more, but once that is done my main goals are to focus on biking and competing in the National Time Trial Championships again.”

Francis was ahead of the University of Bristol CC rider James Pittard, while Pittard’s team-mate at the University of Bristol Renzo Casale was third.

“The Bath Hardriders is my local event and I love the hilly course,” said Francis afterwards.

“It was a cold morning and the rain just about held off for the race. There was a lot of traffic on the course, but that allowed me to recover between the hills and power up then.

“I was happy to take the win. My form is looking good with a second and a first this season so far, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.”

With a time of 1-11-16 Emily Marr (Bath Amphibians Tri Club) was quickest female on a road bike from team-mates Ellie Anderson and Emma Sewart in second and third respectively.

And in the men’s road bike category Pronto Bikes’ George Smith took the win in 49-16 from veteran Karl Norris (360 VRT) and Andrew Metherell (VC Bristol) in third.

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

Results:

Time trial bikes:

Open: Robert Francis (Team Bottrill) 48.02

Female: Corinne Clark (360 VRT)     57.21

Veterans: Tony Chapman (Frome & Dist Wh)           50.32

Road bikes:

Open: George Smith (Pronto Bikes)   49.16

Female: Emily Marr (Bath Amphibians Triathlon Club)       1:11.16

Veterans: Karl Norris (360 VRT)       51.15

Team: Pronto Bikes