OKEHAMPTON Cycle Club started their summer time trial series last Thursday using a new ten-mile course starting at Bridestowe and continuing to Lewdown and back.
In mild weather six competitors lined up to take part and Steve Podd achieved the fastest time of the night with 26.09, which is now the benchmark time to beat. Mark Canvin came second with 27.28 followed by Jacky Rice who, sporting some new time trial bars, clocked 29.41.
Results: S Podd, 26.09; M Canvin 27.28; J Rice 29.41; M Rice 30.05; N Williams 30.40, D Baskerville, 32.40.
Club members Andrew Retter and Simon Perret on the same evening travelled to Feniton to participate in the Exeter Wheelers ten mile open time trial. On a fast course they were both pleased to record new personal best times of 23.22 and 24.52 respectively.
Andrew had also ridden on the previous Sunday in the C S Dynamo Trinity Road Race of 70 miles based on an undulating course over Woodbury Common.
With deteriorating weather 65 riders started the race. Following a breakaway by three riders Andrew got into the chasing group of seven who moved to the front of the race over the climb to Woodbury Castle.
With many riders having dropped out because of the poor riding conditions, a group of ten riders now made up the break and with 12 miles to go there were many attacks with riders looking to improve their position rather than wait for the finish which was on the final 1km hill to Four Firs.
The eventual winner was Jules Birks from Exmouth and Andrew came in taking a creditable eighth place and claiming second place in the second category rider prize list.