ALTON Cycling Club/Owens Cycles had to wait until the final event for the biggest turn-out and best time of the season for their weekly time-trial series.

The young VC Meudon four-up combo of Jack Freeman, Ollie Williams, Ed Bishop and Dylan Thomas carved a further four seconds off the time they recorded in early July to return 20mins 04sec for the 10-mile H10/8 A31 course, almost hitting the magic 30mph average for the distance.

They knew they were close to the sub 20-minute threshold, so much so that former Alton CC rider Freeman could hardly wait to hear the result from timekeeper Alan Jacob.

It was not to be and they will have to wait until next season for another go at that time barrier in an Alton CC event.

In second place was regular visitor Steve Williamson of a3crg with 21-31. Ryan Smith of the newly formed racing team, HR Owen Maserati RT, finished third on 21-46 and was the only other rider inside 22 minutes.

Only two home club riders competed, Steve Newton (25-19) and Charlie Williams (25-31), the latter’s time bringing him a further two points to secure his place ahead of last year’s winner, Steve Newton, at the top of Alton CC’s handicap league table.

With a bumper entry of 30 riders, it was a busy event for Alan Jacob who was assisted by Dick Weatherbed, Eddie Stevens and Jim Woods with holding the stopwatches and the pushing-off.

Alton CC/Owens Cycles hold their annual Open 25-mile time trial event on Sunday, September 4, first riders off at 8 am. For more details, refer to the club’s website or visit www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk