David James Williams earned his first win of the season with victory at the Manchester & District Time Trial Association 25-mile time trial on Saturday afternoon, with Laura Gray finishing as fastest female.

Riding for Velotik Racing Team, Williams set 53-09 on his way to first place, just six seconds ahead of runner-up and clubmate Toby Williams who finished in 53-15, clinching a one-second advantage over third-placed Matthew Bottrill (Team Bottrill) in 53-16 in what was a very competitive top three.

Williams previously finished as quickest road bike and third overall at the Crewe Clarion Wheelers two-up 15-mile event on March 31, and runner-up at the Manchester & District TTA 10 last month.

“I was hoping for top five as it was a really strong field,” explained Williams. “Conditions were tough and looking at the stats from Mywindsock at the end of the ride it showed 63% headwind during the ride.

“I was aiming for around a 52 minute ride which I thought could be good enough for top three, and when I stopped the clock at a short 53 I thought it probably wasn't going to be good enough.

“But obviously it was a super tough day in the wind so I was really happy to just about snatch the win, albeit from my good friend and team-mate Toby, but I’m super happy for him too on a great ride.”

Fastest road bike went to Steve Gibson (Peak Road Club) in 58-53, and runner-up to Buxton CC/Set Valley Cycles’ Josh Thorpe who clocked 59-23, and third place sealed in 59-50 by Phil Land of Velo6 Racing.

In the women’s event, Gray (Total Tri Training) was quickest in 1:01-19, while a time of 1:01-27 helped Molly Savill (Albarosa CC) to second place and Jasmine Holmes (Total Tri Training) sealing the final spot on the podium in 1:01-48.

“I was super happy to take the win,” said Gray. “This was my first time pinning on a number since October last year.

“It’s been a rocky 12 months with health issues and so to be healthy and on a start line feels like the biggest win right now.

“The weather conditions weren’t so favourable for time trialling with heavy cross winds on an already difficult stretch of road, but at least it stayed dry! I went out quite hard, but managed to hold onto pace and come in, in just under a course PB for me.

“It’s always a nice way to start the season, but also to work out what needs to be done next to go faster. I am hoping to get a few more time trials in before my triathlon season kicks off properly.

“I’m a little bit undecided on the year ahead (unusual for me), but the main goal still remains as the World 70.3 Championships in New Zealand in December!”

This event, run on the J4/8 course, is a looped circuit that starts just west of Allostock and heads southbound on the B5081 past Puddinglake before turning eastbound just before Byley, then heading northbound at Cranage to complete the smaller loop, heading west at the A50 junction and passing near the start onwards to Lach Dennis then turning south at Rudheath Junction down to Middlewich, where riders againturn northbound to complete the course on Byley 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. David James Williams (Velotik Racing Team)       53.09

2. Toby Williams (Velotik Racing Team)       53.15

3. Matthew Bottrill (Team Bottrill)     53.16

4. Lewis Eccleston (Manchester Triathlon Club)       54.11

4. Alastair Ribbands (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)            54.11

6. Chris Standidge (Total Tri Training) 54.22

7. Tony Cullen (TricentralUK)            54.42

8. Dan Elliot (TricentralUK)   54.46

9. James Scott-Farrington (Wigan Wheelers CC)      54.49

10. Ste Bolton (Giant-Kendal-Sidas.uk)         55.54

Female:

1. Laura Gray (Total Tri Training)      1:01.19

2. Molly Savill (Albarosa CC)           1:01.27

3. Jasmine Holmes (Total Tri Training)          1:01.48

4. Gail Lowe (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)           1:04.18

5. Joanna Cebrat (360cycling)            1:04.56

6. Lynsey Astles (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)      1:08.54

7. Sally Cunliffe (Velotik Racing Team)        1:09.17

8. Gaynor Beckett (Congleton CC – MyWindsock)   1:11.39

9. Tracy Gregory (Buxton CC/Sett Valley Cycles)     1:17.58

10. Janet Wyles (Cheshire Maverick Cycle Club)      1:19.09