John Archibald fell agonisingly short of breaking the course record in winning the Manchester & District TTA 10-mile time trial in Cheshire on Saturday afternoon, with victory in the women’s category going to Emma-Jane Bradfield.

Finishing in 19-08, HUUB WattShop rider Archibald was just outside the existing mark of 19-08 set by Charlie Tanfield, while David James Williams (Velotik Racing Team) was runner-up almost two minutes back in 21-07. Third place went to Congleton CC – MyWindsock rider Alastair Ribbands in 21-30.

On his victory, Archibald said: “It was a wild day for wind, which was the biggest challenge of the race. Being a loop course there was some sustained crosswind sections that made it difficult to handle the bike at high speeds.

“I definitely found myself 'rusty' riding like that, but that was my aim today: blow out the cobwebs. I was also glad it stayed dry, as the forecast had rain in there too.

“I think I was a few seconds shy of Tanfield's course record, which I take as a good sign because Charlie was just off the BC national podium last year. So I'm assuming it's good to be in that ball park.”

Emma-Jane Bradfield (Total Tri Training) finished ahead of the field in the women’s event in 25-37, while a time of 26-03 helped Gail Lowe (Congleton CC – MyWindsock) to second place with Bradfield’s team-mate Laura Odroyd taking third in 26-30.

HUUB WattShop enjoyed more success with Casper Von Folsach earning honours as fastest road bike in 21-52, while Velo6 Racing’s Steven Fidler timed 22-14 for second place and the final spot on the podium went to Liverpool Century RC’s Daniel Stevens in 23-15.

In the youth category Ducan Whalley (ABC Centreville) was fastest in 26-44, while quickest junior was Luca Bednarek for Team Bottrill in 21-30 which would have placed him third overall.

Riders had to endure challenging conditions on the course, with very cold temperatures and high winds across the looped circuit.

This event, run on the J4/20 course, started just east of Byley and heads eastbound towards Cranage then turning north on the A50 and passing through Allostock before reaching Toft and turning southbound, through Peover and Swan Green before finishing on Middlewich Road just before the junction with Wash Lane.

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

Results:

Open:

1. John Archibald (HUUB WattShop) 19.08

2. David James Williams (Velotik Racing Team)       21.07

3. Alastair Ribbands (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)            21.30

4. Stephen Dooley (Seamons CC)      22.02

5. Ste Bolton (Giant-Kendal-Sidas.uk)           22.06

6. Danny Bluff (Manchester Triathlon Club) 22.41

7. Louis Thomas-Messenger (Macclesfield Wheelers)           22.49

8. Philip Campbell (Johnstone Wheelers)       23.04

9. Richard Shaw (Seamons CC)         23.06

10. Richard Marshall (Team Wheelguru)       23.09

Female:

1. Emma-Jane Bradfield (Total Tri Training) 25.37  

2. Gail Lowe (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)           26.03  

3. Laura Oldroyd (Total Tri Training) 26.30

4. Katherine Swithenbank (360cycling)         27.05

5. Lynsey Astles (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)      27:23  

6. Cecilia Ellis (Didsbury Cycling Club)        28.34

7. Tracy Gregory (Buxton CC/Sett Valley Cycles)     31.09

8. Sharon Clifford (SheHair Racing Team)    33.10

9. Jacky Taylor (Manchester Triathlon Club) 35.59