David Pennington claimed his second time trial win from 40 attempts at the Maldon and District Cycling Club 10-mile time trial on Saturday afternoon, with Louise Robinson finishing as quickest female.

Riding for Southend Wheelers, Pennington crossed the line in 21-42 for victory ahead of David Harding (Chelmer Cycling Club) who was 13 seconds back in 21-55 while a time of 22-07 helped Hart Performance Coaching rider Nicholas Knight to the final spot on the podium.

Pennington’s previous best open time trial result was victory at Maldon and District CC 25-mile time trial on E221/25A on May 8 2022, while last time out he finished as runner up at Chelmer Cycling Club 25-mile time trial on July 28 on course E9/25.

"I felt like the conditions were ok and Windsock had it as a tailwind out and a headwind back so I went for a slightly easier effort out and really try and hammer it back," explained Pennington.

"But I think the wind had slightly change and we actually had a tail wind back so went out hard and tried to hit it hard back with bigger efforts on the inclines and some sort of “recovery” on the descents. I was very pleased to take the win and a PB on that course. Next up I have the European long distance Triathlon Championship in Almere."

Shaftesbury Cycling Club’s Robinson set 23-31 to win the female grouping from Karen Aylen (Maldon and District Cycling Club) in 24-49, before Gill Carter of Essex Roads Club took third spot in 26-20.

In the road bike category, Michael Stimson (Shaftesbury Cycling Club) took top placing in 22-31, helping him to fifth place overall, while Marc Brant was second, the Basildon Cycling Club member clocking 25-30 ahead of the 25-53 posted by Team Bottrill’s Richard Mellor for third place.

This event, run on the E21/10 course, is an out-and-back that starts just northeast of Steeple and heads northeast to Bradwell on Sea where riders turn and follow the route back along Steeple Road to the finish line just outside of Steeple.

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