THE final round of Okehampton Cycle Club time trial race championship was fought out on the gruelling 1.3 mile hill climb from Station Road in the town up to the Army camp.
Andrew Retter, fresh with form after a high placing in the National Three Peaks Cycle Race in Yorkshire, covered the course from the entrance to Simmons Park to the Camp in 7 minutes 30 seconds, establishing a new course record, a staggering 42 second ahead of closest challenger Marvin Laing — Marvin was from Tavistock Wheelers, and the event was run as a joint collaboration between the two neighbouring clubs.
Okehampton's Bob Sharp was only four seconds behind. Okehampton's Sage brothers — Steve and Phil — had a close battle for fourth and fifth positions.
The club championship was won by Dave Chowings. Dave established his lead earlier in the year with consistent high placings on less hilly courses; not having the physique for hill climbs, his aim on Sunday was merely to finish and accumulate a few points to consolidate his victory. He achieved this with ease and his victory is thoroughly deserved.
The event marks the end of the competition season for Okehampton Cycle club and members before training starts for next season in December.
Results of time trial: 1 Andrew Retter, Okehampton CC, time 7.30, points 10; 2 Marvin Laing, Tavistock WCC, 8.12; 3 Bob Sharp, Okehampton CC, 8.16, 9; 4 Steve Sage, Okehampton CC, 8.28, 8; 5 Phil Sage, Okehampton CC, 8.32, 7; 6 Rob West, Okehampton CC, 8.45, 6; 6, Henry Foxhall, Tavistock WCC, 8.45; 8 David Chowings, Okehampton CC, 9.01, 5; 9 Philip Haygarth, Okehampton CC, 9.05, 4; 10 Martin Legg, Tavistock WCC, 10.05; 11 Jackie Rice, Okehampton CC, 11.52, 3; 12 Frank Welsh, Tavistock WCC, 12.28.
Final results of the time trial series: 1 David Chowings, 24; 2 Philip Haygarth, 20; 2 Phil Sage, 20; 4 Steve Sage, 18; 5 Darren Crome, 12; 5 Rob West, 12; 7 Andrew Retter, 10; 8 Rob Sharp, 9; 9 Triston Smy, 8; 9, Jackie Rice 8; 11 Richard Avery, 5; 12, Richard Foauche, 3.