Joe Parker earned his first win of the season at the Chichester City Riders 10-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Sarah Matthews sealing victory in the women’s category.
Racing Club Ravenna rider Parker clocked an unbeaten 19-45 to finish ahead of Howard Bayley (...a3crg), who was just four seconds behind with 19-49, while Matthew Gilmour (Primera-Team Jobs) clinched the final podium spot in 19-55.
In the women’s category Matthews (...a3crg) posted 22-38 to stave off competition from team-mate Kirsty Mcseveney who recorded 23-58 to finish second, while a time of 31-38 saw Amanda Simpson (Portsmouth Triathletes) into third place.
For Matthews, this was her second successive win after topping the standings at the Sotonia CC 10-mile time trial last month.
On her win, Matthews said: “I’ve only ridden the P901/10 once before, so as it's close to home I drove it yesterday. I’d previously thought the section leaving the A27 was really slow, but other than having to wipe off speed for a sharp left turn, and some patches of grippy tarmac, I reckoned I could keep reasonable bike speed.
“I was determined to go sub 23, so I kept a close eye on average speed. The race was going to plan, but with 2.5 miles to go I began to feel I’d gone too hard too soon; I got passed by a local rider so I had something ahead to focus on and held my power to the finish.
“As we say, ‘I left it out on the course.’ Not only did I achieve my goal but a season’s best 10 minute power, and overall power (NP) for a 10.”
Adam Coppard (Racing Club Ravenna) was the fastest rider on a road bike with 22-13, a time good enough for 15th overall, while in the espoir category, Gilmour’s fine ride saw him finish in third position overall.
This 10-mile event, run on the P901/10 course, begins on Arundel Road where it heads west towards Chichester. After turning east on Resort Hotel roundabout, it heads along Stane Street to hook up with the A27 once more before finishing metres from its starting position.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.
Results:
Open:
1. Joe Parker (Racing Club Ravenna) 19.45
2. Howard Bayley (...a3crg) 19.49
3. Matthew Gilmour (Primera-Teamjobs) 19.55
4. Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs) 20.10
5. Larry Wiltshire (Racing Club Ravenna) 20.19
6. Neil Mackley (...a3crg) 20.44
Women:
1. Sarah Matthews (...a3crg) 22.38
2. Kirsty Mcseveney (...a3crg) 23.58
3. Amanda Simpson (Portsmouth Triathletes) 31.38