FARNHAM Road Club made an early start to the time-trial season and riders were greeted by a bone-chilling easterly wind on the Bentley course, making the return leg from Holybourne seem long indeed.

Fastest of the 15 solo riders was visitor Steve Williamson of the a3crg club, who covered the ten miles in a surprisingly quick 22mins 38secs.

Nic Stagg (Hounslow & District Wheelers) came second in 22-43 and John Sibley (Velo Refined/ Aerosmiths) third in 23-05.

Laura Bartlett, also of a3crg, was the fastest lady rider in 24-14.

Farnham’s own fastest finishers, Robert Allen and Paul Charman, had the advantage of riding a tandem and recorded 25-38.

The host club’s solo finishers were Ian White in 26-32, David Welling 27-15, Roger Chapman 27-34 and Huw Lloyd 29-59. Les Young (Tricycle Association) rode an ultra-modern racing tricycle to record 27-22.

Timekeepers were Jim Brown and Ian Thomas, helped at the start by Michael Rice and Jim Parker.