Jennie Pennington (Southend Wheelers) saw her plan against the conditions work as she took a clear victory in the Southend Wheelers Norman Wells Memorial 50, while road bike competitor Mike Debney (Verulam Really Moving) was the quickest rider overall.

Veteran rider Pennington finished runner-up in the ECCA 25 earlier this season and went one better on this occasion finishing over two minutes clear of her nearest female competitor.

The undulating E9/50 course saw competitors complete two out and back circuits along the A1060 and then B184 between Chelmsford and Great Dunmow.

In breezy and occasionally showery conditions Pennington timed her effort well to post the quickest female time of 2-18-21.

Gill Carter (Essex Roads CC) led the battle behind finishing second in 2-21-09, while road bike competitor Kerry Brennand (Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club) finished third road bike overall in 2-22-45.

“I’m really pleased that the Southend Wheelers used the E9/50,” said Pennington.

“It’s an honest course with enough undulation to keep you focused. As a triathlete I am always worried about stepping in the time trial arena, but really pleased with how it went.

“The plan, with the weather conditions, was work hard into the head wind and recover on the tail wind.

“I executed my plan well, and remained in control with my power and heart rate. The rain added an extra layer of spice at about mile 30.

“I’m pleased to take the female win, it’s a first for me.”

Road bike competitor Debney, from Welwyn, was the quickest rider overall covering the undulating course in 1-52-57 and claiming the Southend Wheelers Norman Wells Memorial trophy.

The 42-year-old clinched his ninth road bike category win of the season and third open overall.

Chelmer CC team-mates David and Paul Harding had to settle for second and third place after clocking 1-54-04 and 1-54-08 respectively. They also helped Chelmer CC to the team award.

“I’m really happy and a bit surprised to get the win today,” said Debney.

“This is only my second 50 and after the Maldon 50 a few weeks ago I went with, and stuck to, a better pacing strategy which worked out well!

“It’s a tough course; two laps of an out and back single carriageway with the first half of each lap a draggy, headwind slog.

“That was made worse in lap two as the weather came in so rain and spray added to the not-so summer feel.

“A massive thank you to Southend Wheelers for a great event and I can’t recommend the SPOCO SE series enough; well organised, challenging courses and great atmosphere.”

Debney also won the road bike category by almost eight minutes ahead of Lewis Duffield (Athlon CC) in second (2-00-50) and John Paduano (Southend Wheelers) in third (2-08-38).

Third female overall Brennand was the quickest in the road bike category ahead of Paulina Mozal (Chelmer CC) in second (2-25-13) and Paulina Mozal (Chelmer CC) in third 2-25-13.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Results:

Open:

1 Mike Debney (Verulam Really Moving)     1:52.57

2 David Harding (Chelmer CC)         1:54.04

3 Peter Harding (Chelmer CC)           1:54.08

4 Ramsey Kechacha (Shaftesbury CC)          1:54.19

5 Nicholas Knight (Hart Performance Coaching)      1:54.29

6 David Pennington (Southend Wheelers)      1:54.33

7 Miles Burrage (Eat Plants Not Pigs CC)     1:59.10

8 Ben Newman (North Essex Velo)    1:59.18

9 Lewis Duffield (Athlon CC)            2:00.50

10 Michael Beaver (Athlon CC)        2:01.13

Women:

1 Jennie Pennington (Southend Wheelers)     2:18.21

2 Gill Carter (Essex Roads CC)         2:21.09

3 Kerry Brennand (Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club)   2:22.45

4 Rachel Halamandres (Basildon CC)            2:24.32

5 Paulina Mozal (Chelmer CC)          2:25.13

Road bikes:

1 Mike Debney (Verulam Really Moving)     1:52.57

2 Lewis Duffield (Athlon CC)            2:00.50

3 John Paduano (Southend Wheelers)            2:08.38

4 Rob Chaplin (East London Velo)     2:12.39

5 Jamie Bishop (Newhall CC)            2:15.46

6 Richard Mellor (Team Bottrill)        2:17.24

Women:

1 Kerry Brennand (Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club)   2:22.45

2 Paulina Mozal (Chelmer CC)          2:25.13