Andy Cunningham earned his fourth win of the season at the North Tyneside Riders 27-mile time trial on Sunday, with Sarah Wilkinson claiming victory in the women's category.

Ilkley CC rider Cunningham clocked 1.07-26 to fight off competition from David Fellows (Solihull CC), who ultimately finished runner-up with 1.08-34, while Alexander Storey’s (GS Metro) time of 1.09-07 was enough to see him finish in third.

It is now back-to-back victories for Cunningham on the bike after taking first spot at the Zurbaran Racing Hill Climb earlier in the month.

“I really enjoyed the event, it was super friendly and well organised,” said Cunningham. “It’s a good route and I know the course quite well from having been on holiday up here and riding the hill climb on the Gibbet a couple of times.

“I was happy with the ride as it's been about 2.5 years since I last did a TT that length. I did it to help get into the rhythm of racing for the hill climbs. David Fellows and Alexander Storey are really top riders so chuffed to come first really. I might do some more of these next year!”

In the women’s category, Wilkinson (Blaydon CC) topped the standings with 1.25-49, ahead fellow Blaydon CC rider Louise Burnie who came in second position with 1.26-17, while Robyn Bennett of Northumbria Police C.C. sealed third place in 1.47-08.

A fine ride from Wilkinson, one that saw her finish over a minute ahead of her nearest competitor, means the Blaydon rider now has four wins to her name this season.

Wilkinson said: “I found it tough today, it was hard work heading into the wind for the first 10 miles. I managed to catch Louise towards the top of the Gibbet climb but she whizzed past me down the descent and I couldn’t get near her after that.

“I was lucky to hang on to the win as she was strong and had a great ride today. Thanks to Ian Gallon, and his helpers from NTR for putting on another great race.”

Carl Donaldson of GS Metro was the first 40 plus veteran rider to finish in 1.13-39, a time which saw him finish just outside the top three positions in fourth.

Colin Atkinson (GS Metro), the only rider to complete the course on a time trial bike, was the quickest 50 plus veteran rider, finishing just behind Donaldson in fifth with 1.14-09, while Derwentside CC rider Keith Taylor was the fastest 60 plus veteran with a time of 1.21-28.

This 27-mile hill climb event, run on the M27 course, starts on the B6341 west of Rothbury where it makes its way south past Elsdon. Looping around Hemmel Hill, it heads north to finish south east of its start location.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Andy Cunningham (Ilkley CC) 1:07.26

2. David Fellows (Solihull CC) 1:08.34          

3. Alexander Storey (GS Metro) 1:09

4. Carl Donaldson (GS Metro) 1:13.39         

5. Colin Atkinson (Muckle Cycle Club) 1:14.09

6. Garry Greenaway (Vanelli-Project GO) 1:14.14

Women:

1. Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon CC) 1:25.49    

2. Louise Burnie (Blaydon CC) 1:26.17

3. Robyn Bennett (Northumbria Police CC)   1:47.08