Karl Norris defied Spindata predictions to claim an impressive win at the Epsom Cycling Club 25-mile time trial on Sunday morning.
Having been predicted to finish fourth overall, Norris posted 54-12 as the 360VRT rider instead finished top of the standings ahead of North Hampshire Road Club’s Daniel Legg who finished in 55-03, while a time of 55-18 helped Edward Renwick of Dulwich Paragon Cycling Club to take the final spot on the podium.
Spindata’s predicted winner Pat Wright (Paceline Race Team) could only finish in fourth with a time of 55-31.
Norris has enjoyed a packed calendar this season, with 32 events producing five wins, including consecutive road bike wins in March at U601 Chippenham and District Wheelers 9.3-mile time trial and then at the 30-mile Swindon Road Club and Swindon Wheelers time trial on course U871.
On his win, Norris said: “Turning up with the car thermometer saying 4 degrees – when last year it was 19 - after a 50-mile ride the day before I did think ‘What am I doing?’
“After a 10-mile out leg of cross headwind and a bumpy surface I was still thinking the same but the legs started working with power up and a much nicer road I managed to get over the line to repeat last year’s win.
“Full credit to Epsom Cycling Club for the number of marshals who came out to brave the cold.”
Raif Oz, riding for Kingston Wheelers, finished as quickest road bike in 55-43 which also helped secure a sixth place finished overall.
In the women’s event, both Mary Cooper (Chichester Triathlon Club) and Gina Brown (VTTA London and Home Counties) did not finish the event.
This 25-mile event, run on the H25/88 course, is an out-and-back circuit that starts just east of Farnham on the A31 and heads northeast past Bentley and then Alton before reaching the roundabout at Froyle where riders turn and follow the route back to Farnham, turning at Holybourne and then again at Froyle, before completing a full return leg to finish near the start line.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.
Results:
Open:
1. Karl Norris (360VRT) 54.12
2. Daniel Legg (North Hampshire Road Club) 55.03
3. Edward Renwick (Dulwich Paragon Cycling Club) 55.18
4. Pat Wright (Paceline Race Team) 55.31
5. Johnny Garrett (Clapham Chasers) 55.37
6. Raif Oz (Kingston Wheelers Cycling Club) 55.43
7. Neal Beauchamp (Kingston Wheelers Cycling Club) 55.59
8. Simon Brace (Bath Cycling Club) 56.02
9. Paul Haywood (Epsom Cycling Club) 56.53
10. Chris Jones (Bynea Cycling Club) 57.05