BACK on home ground and among familiar faces, Jack Freeman made his first return to Alton CC/Owens Cycles’ Thursday time-trial series since he moved on from the club at the end of last season.

Now riding in VC Meudon colours, Freeman has been intensifying his training programme with his home club and has already found some good early-season form.

Riding ten miles on the H10/8 course, he comfortably recorded the fastest time on the night with 20mins 29secs, ahead of Epsom CC’s Paul Thompson (20-49) and Farnham Tri’s Dom Brooks (21-40).

Fifteen riders competed, including seasoned regular visitors James Long of Farnham Tri (21-55) and Mike Fricker of Farnham Road Club (24-19).

Shaun Blow was fastest of the five Alton members with 23-24. Steve Newton, last year’s league handicap winner, improved on last week with 24-10, as did Charlie Williams with 25-10.

Junior member Sophie Schryver recorded her first sub 30 ride of the series with 29-40. Sam Beckett, another junior, clocked 25-34, on his series debut.