Douglas Watson took victory at the St Christopher’s CC Willie Rafferty Memorial 10-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Victoria Smith taking the prize for quickest female.

Riding for GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline, Watson clocked 19-18, outperforming his pre-race Spindata prediction of 19-25 by seven seconds but falling shot of John Archibald’s course record of 17-46.

Eleven seconds behind in the runners-up spot was Torvelo Racing’s Graham Hollinger in 19-29, while a time of 19-51 helped Watson’s clubmate Rob Graham clinch the final spot on the podium in 19-51.

This was Watson’s first success since winning the Velo Club Cumbria 10-mile time trial on May 14, having since registered runners-up finishes at the West Pennine RC 10-mile time trial on May 19 and then at the Fife Century SVTTA Scottish Regional Championship RC Ali Speed trophy on May 27.

On his win, Watson said: “The Westferry course is lovely to race on now with lots of sections resurfaced, although the memories of getting your teeth rattled out live on!

“There were some strong rides today with Graham in second and my team-mate Rob going under 20 for the first time on that course.

“Vicky put in a great time in the women’s race too.”

In the women’s event Smith, riding for Alba Development Team, finished in 21-51 for the top prize, while Lorna Lumley (Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club) was second in 24-10, with Deeside Thistle CC’s Margaret McMillan third in 24-30.

After the race, Smith said: “It was a friendly and well organised event and the weather stayed dry!

“I enjoyed the race and it's good to be getting into doing some TTs again. I haven't picked my next event yet, but I look forward to doing more TTs this season.”

Quickest tandem went to Vanelli-Project GO pair Warren Crombie and Mark Anderson in 20.41.

This 10-mile event, run on the WW10/01 course, is an out-and-back circuit that starts directly under the railway bridge at West Ferry roundabout and proceeds westbound along to the Port Glasgow roundabout before returning along the slip road on the A8 to finish just north of the start line.

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

* Photos from this event are available on this link and this link

Results:

Open:

1. Douglas Watson (GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline)    19.18

2. Graham Hollinger (Torvelo Racing)           19.29

3. Rob Graham (GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline)         19.51

4. Marc Anderson (GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline)     20.09

5. Chris Petrie (Aberdeen Wheelers)  20.52

6. Richard Sanderson (Kinross CC)   20.58

7. Tony Scott (GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline)             21.02

8. William Bonar (GTR – Return to Life p/b Streamline)      21.11

9. John McElroy (Team Andrew Allan Architecture) 21.21

10. Nikki Elder (Hawick Cycling Club)         21.28

Female:

1. Victoria Smith (Alba Development Team) 21.51

2. Lorna Lumley (Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club)       24.10

3. Margaret Mcmillan (Deeside Thistle CC)  24.30

4. Esther Hamill (Dumfries CC)         26.11

5. Miriam Rennet (Kinross CC)         26.54

6. Valerie Martin (Dooleys RT)          26.58

7. Isobel Fletcher (VC Glasgow South)          30.40

8. Jennifer Nicol (Velo Club Vitesse) 33.20