MORE than one hundred of the country?s top cyclists descended on Bishops Tawton on Sunday for the National 50 mile Time Trial Championship. This included 5 members of North Devon Wheelers who were all hoping to put in a good show for their club.
The event was won for the fifth time by defending champion Michael Hutchinson (Team MDT - Giant). His time of 1:46:09 also took around 8 minutes off the previous course record held by local rider Alan Ryder. Second place went to Matt Botrill (Jim Walker RT) and the final podium spot was taken by local star Greg Sandy (Team Alcan) who was riding his first ever time trial over 50 miles.
Of the five North Devon Wheelers taking part Steve Sage again proved fastest with his time of 2:01:41 which was good enough for third place in the special prizes for South West riders. Ray Retter was the second North Devon Wheeler in a time of 2:03:34, like Steve he set a new personal best for this course.
The three other Wheelers all riding their first 50 mile event acquitted themselves well. Dave Lugger finished in a time of 2:07:16, John Parkinson?s time was 2:17:45 and Lee Bradley stopped the clock in 2:24:11.
As the season is now in full swing there?s no rest for the North Devon Wheelers. Ray and Steve take part in Mid Devon CC 100 mile time trial on Sunday and the rest of the club will be at South Molton for the clubs own North Devon Road Race.