OKEHAMPTON Cycle Club held their open 10 mile two up time trial last Wednesday evening, which drew an entry of 40 riders from all over the South West.

This event requires a pair of riders to cycle behind one another and as close together as is safely possible to lessen the aerodynamic drag. It is important for both riders to ride at an even pace with each taking turns at the front. The better the riders are at working as a team usually ensures a faster time.

The course starts on the A30 dual carriageway 2.4 miles west of Sourton and proceeds towards Launceston before turning at the Stowford Cross slip road, crossing the flyover bridge and returning on the eastbound carriageway to the finish. In the end, after 10 miles cycling, it was a very close race with the winning team Guy Wilkins and Will Jansen (Bikinmotion) clocking 21mins 04secs, just a mere seven seconds quicker than the second placed team, Stuart Pickering and Chris Lobb (Cyclelogic) on 21mins 11secs. The third placed team was Phil Borrett and Christ Halls (Bikinmotion) with a time of 21mins 24secs.

The first veteran team was Chris Cook and Stuart Hall (Alltrax) with a time of 21mins 25secs and the first junior team was Roland Hanbury and Sam Barley on 23mins 08secs.

The fastest Okehampton club riders were Gary Sprague and Tim Bridgman, who clocked 23mins 47secs.

At the post race prize giving Robert Szembek, the club chairman, thanked everyone for supporting this new event for the club and gave special thanks to the race marshals, timekeepers, ladies providing the refreshments and friends of Okehampton CC who helped to make the event a success.

Club members Tony Johnston and Jacky Rice participated last Sunday in the sporting 15 time trial hosted by St Budeaux Cycle Club which was held near Callington. Both met with success for the Okehampton club with Tony's time of 46mins29secs taking second prize in the veteran over 55 category and Jacky's 43 mins the fastest lady prize.

If you are interested in cycling and want further information about the club and its events, call in and see Darren at Okehampton Cycles.