Alexander Fortune claimed his first open time trial win with victory at the combined Swindon Road Club and Swindon Wheelers 50-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Claire Fennell finishing as quickest female.

Riding for Army Cycling, Fortune earned victory in 1:56-06, his first success in 14 events dating back to his debut event at the St Piran / Northover Vets Team 21 in July 2021 with a previous best of second road bike at the CTT Classic Series 14.6 in March this year, as well as finishing runner-up in the Antelope Road Club four-up team time trial at Thruxton in 2022.

Second spot in the Swindon 50 was Tony Chapman (Frome and District Wheelers) in 1:57-18, while 360VRT cyclist Karl Norris claimed the final spot on the podium in 2:01-23.

In the women’s event Fennell (Pronto Bikes) clocked 2:28-29 for victory, ahead of Sue Smith (Swindon Wheelers) in 2:25-31, while a time of 2:39-42 saw her clubmate Amanda Radley take third spot.

Norris was also quickest road bike in the open category ahead of Ian Cheatle in 2:05-17, with Smith the fastest female road bike.

This 50-mile event, run on course U86/50, is a looped circuit that starts just south of Minety and heads west towards Malmesbury on the B4040, turning south to Burton Hill then east past Brinkworth and, upon reaching the M4 junction, heading northbound to complete the circuit at Minety, then completing a further full circuit and, on the third loop, riders then at Milbourne to follow the route back to the finish just south of the start.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Alexander Fortune (Army Cycling)                        1:56.06

2. Tony Chapman (Frome and District Wheelers)      1:57.18

3. Karl Norris (360VRT)                    2:01.23

4. Dan Whitehouse-Smith (Army Cycling)    2:02.18

5. Gary Fouracres (Yeovil CC)           2:03.05

6. Ian Cheatle (Swindon Wheelers)    2:05.17

7. Andrew Metherell (Velo Club Bristol)        2:05.34

8. Chris Booth (Army Cycling)          2:05.51

9. Gary Lock (New Forest CC)          2:06.02

10. Matthew Hill (Gloucester City CC)         2:06.57

Women:

1. Claire Fennell (Pronto Bikes)         2:28.29

2. Sue Smith (Swindon Wheelers)      2:25.31

3. Amanda Radley (Swindon Wheelers)         2:39.42

4. Gina Brown (VTTA London and Home Counties) 2:45.36