THE final open event of the year run by Alton CC/Owens Cycles was the 25-mile time trial, held on the H25/8 A31 course.

The winner, by a distance, was the in-form James Boyman of Farnham Road Club. A blustery wind prevented fast times and Boyman’s winning mark of 50mins 36secs (average speed 29.6mph) was nearly two minutes slower than the 48-53 he recorded to be placed 12th in the National Championships last month.

The Tadros family from Hastings were amongst the prizes. Dad Pete, of In Gear Quickvit Trainsharp Racing Team, came second in the main event with 53-21, while son Theo, 14, the youngest competitor in the 62-rider field, recorded 1-01-54 to win the juvenile category, beating 15-year-old Caitlin Peters (1-02-36) into second place.

Theo, Tadros Snr and clubmate Dave Pollard took the team prize. Pete Tadros won the award for the 40-49 age group; Pollard won the 50-59 age group with his 55-00, and Ian Bashford (Old Portlians) took the 60+ title with 59-41.

The ladies’ event was won by Christine Rowley from Poole Wheelers in 1-00-43, ahead of Michelle Arthurs (Maison du Velo/ Storck Bikes) in 1-01-20.

A special mention for Charlotteville’s Virginia McGee who, having had her Saturday event cancelled in Derbyshire, drove the 170 miles back to Hampshire to ride the ‘25’ on Sunday morning.

In the absence this year of Alton’s premier time-triallist, Rick Froud, veteran fast men Shaun Blow, Steve Newton and Kevin Martin flew the flag for the home club, which they did admirably with times of 1-02-15, 1-05-56 and 1-06-40 respectively.

The oldest competitor was Alan Rowe (De Laune CC) who, at 77, recorded 1-07-09 at an average speed of 22.3mph.

Alton CC were grateful to Kathy Collard-Berry and Chris Thomas of 13crg who did the timekeeping, and to organiser Ian Austin and the other club members for their assistance in making the event run smoothly.