Rob Graham earned his first win of the 2024 campaign after finishing first in the open category at the GTR-Return to Life p/b Streamline 10-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with teenager Erin Boothman winning the women’s event.

Riding for the promoting club, Graham took the win by seven seconds in 20-40, with Aberdeen-based rider Lewis Day (RT 23) second in 20-47 and Graham’s clubmate Ray Wilson taking the final spot on the podium in 20-53 in a tight finish.

Graham began his season with second place at the 13.5-mile Border City Wheelers hilly time trial last weekend and will be hoping to maintain his form at the next GTR–Return to Life p/b Streamline time trial on March 17.

On his victory, Graham said: “As a club GTR-Return to Life put on the season opener which always proves to be a challenge in the often-bleak Scottish wintery conditions.

“For sure I am super happy with my first time trial win. The sensations were good today, and I hope to repeat this next week in the GTR Ice Breaker two-up that I’m riding with team-mate Chris Smart.”

In the women’s event Tofauti Everyone Active rider Boothman, at just 16, produced a fine performance to finish clear of the field in 23-40, while Beth Mcrae (Jadan Vive Le Velo) went second in an impressive 24-23 and a time of 27-22 helped Valerie Martin (Dooleys RT) to third.

Fastest road bike prize went to Jesse Dawson, riding for Vanelli-Project GO, who clocked 23-47, with Daniel Cain (GTR-Return to Life) second in 26-12.

The Met Office forecast was incorrect and instead GTR had its first wet event in five years which led to several non-starters, but many riders still braved the freezing rain and strong wind to open their season.

This event, run on the WW10/03 course, is a straight out-and-back that starts by Eglington Country Park and follows the A78 south until reaching Dundonald Camp roundabout where riders turn and retrace the route to find at the Eglinton interchange.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Rob Graham (GTR–Return to Life p/b Streamline)           20.40

2. Lewis Day (RT 23) 20.47

3. Ray Wilson (GTR-Return to Life)  20.53

4. Marc Anderson (GTR-Return to Life)        21.18

5. Tony Scott (GTR-Return to Life)   21.45

6. Sam Edgar (Johnstone Wheelers)               22.07

7. Vincent Pickering (St Christopher’s CC)   22.30

8. Steven Purdie (Glasgow Green CC)           23.04

9. Simon Woodliff (Ayr Burners Cycling)      23.36

10. Greg Kerr (Ecosse Performance Cycling)            23.39

Female:

1. Erin Boothman (Tofauti Everyone Active) 23.40

2. Beth Macrae (Jadan Vive Le Velo) 24.23

3. Valerie Martin (Dooleys RT)          27.22

4. Isobel Fletcher (VC Glasgow South)          32.30

5. Jennifer Nicol (Velo Club Vitesse) 33.21