A CRISP and bright Dartmoor morning welcomed 33 starters to Okehampton Cycle Club's first open trial on a brand new sporting course between Okehampton, Whiddon Down and North Tawton on February 20.
Andrew Parker (North Devon Wheelers) was in control all the way leading his rivals through Sticklepath and up onto Whiddon Down to the halfway split where he was 16 seconds up on Chris O'Neill (St Austell Wheelers) with John Peters (Mid Devon CC) trailing a minute behind.
These positions remained over the heavier second half of the course and the winning and first open record time was 44.56, Parker consolidating on his advantage as O'Neill and Peters slipped further behind over the final climb of Appledore Hill.
Chris Baretto (Plymouth Corinthian CC) was the first veteran home in 49.18 (7th final overall) but unlucky Bob Barnes (St Austell Wheelers) a close challenger at halfway point suffered a puncture in the second half and had to settle for a final 21st place overall.
Nine competitors from the recently formed Okehampton Cycle Club battled for the Jo and Lou Braden Trophy for the first home — this honour went to Andy Reller who finished 8th overall in 49.33, fresh from his 2nd placing in the Springtime Pursuits Road Race the previous day.
This course will form the basis of the Devon and Cornwall Divisional Road Race Championships in June which will be hosted by the Okehampton Club.