John Routledge earned his fifth win of the season at the Houghton CC 25-mile time trial on Sunday morning, while Joanne Rea finished as the fastest female rider.

Riding for GTR - Return to Life p/b Streamline, Routledge posted 53-37 to stave off competition from Zach Haigh (Team Kirkley Cycles), who set 54-20 for second place, while 54-53 was enough to see Daniel Kane of Muckle Cycle Club to seal the last podium position.

Veteran rider Routledge lived up to his billing as Spindata pre-race favourite to secure a second consecutive victory on the road after winning at Barnesbury CC 10-mile time trial earlier this month.

On his win, Routledge said: “The conditions were good. A headwind out to the turn meant the first half was a bit of a slog, but the tailwind made for a very fast run back.

“I’m pleased with the ride overall, taking the win and setting a PB for me on the course.”

In the women’s category Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) set an unbeaten 1.00-16 to finish ahead of Lois Jarvis (Muckle Cycle Club), who recorded 1.05-20 for a second place finish, while Nicki Murphy of Wearside Triathlon clinched third spot with a time of 1.07-21.

For Rea, this was her fourth win in the women’s category this season and her second inside of a month, after she also claimed victory at the Barnesbury CC 10-mile time trial earlier this July.

“It was one of the slower times I’ve done on the M254, but I love the course either way and am super happy with the win,” said Rea.

“There was a very strong headwind going out and it was a little chilly this morning. The wind made for a very fast return! Thanks to Houghton CC and all the marshals for getting up so early!”

Mikey Steele of Wearside Triathlon was the fastest competitor on a road bike, finishing in 1.01-39 to seal 19th place overall, while Zack Stobbs (Tyneside Vagabonds CC) took home top prize in the youth category, clocking a fine 1.04-31.

This 25-mile event, run on the M254 course, starts just outside of Ponteland where it heads North on Ponteland Road to Kirkwhelpington. U-turning west of the town, it retraces its steps to finish by the gates of Cold Coats Moor Farm.

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

Results:

Open:

1. John Routledge (GTR - Return to Life p/b Streamline) 53.37

2. Zach Haigh (Team Kirkley Cycles) 54.20

3. Daniel Kane (Muckle Cycle Club) 54.53

4. Joshua Hodgson (GS Metro) 55.28

5. Thomas Fletcher (Endurance Academy) 55.40

6. Nikki Elder (SBRT – Outsider Events) 55.49

Women:

1. Joanne Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) 1:02.16

2. Lois Jarvis (Muckle Cycle Club) 1:05.20

3. Nicki Murphy (Wearside Triathlon) 1:07.21

4. Teri Bayliss (Reifen Racing) 1:09.45

5. Lindsay Turnbull (Tyneside Vagabonds CC) 1:10.54

6. Celia Michie (Tyneside Vagabonds CC) 1:12.05