SIXTY-SEVEN riders entered the Alton Cycling Club/Owens Cycles Open 10-mile time trial, incorporating the Wessex Group VTTA Championships.

Much to their relief, the rolling black clouds delivered only a few drops and the roads were dry as they prepared to tackle the H10/8 A31 course.

Fastest to the Holybourne roundabout turn was former multi Welsh junior champion, Luke Cornish of Cwmcarn Paragon RC.

At that point, Cornish, now a senior, was almost 15 seconds quicker than rival Andy Langdown, riding for West Sussex-based Blazing Saddles.

But it was Langdown who came through with the fastest time of the day. His more solid physique was better suited to the tail-wind on the return leg to the finish line at the Bull and his time of 20mins 17secs was five seconds quicker than Cornish (20-22).

Third fastest was Eddie Allen of Surrey-based Redmon CC with 20-59.

Langdown’s veteran status, and time on standard adjustment, meant that he also carried off the Wessex Group VTTA title and prize.

The quickest lady rider was Mandy Hibberd of North Hants Road Club with 25-30.

Three Alton members took part, with Shaun Blow recording 23-37, Steve Newton 24-37 and Charlie Williams 25-25.

Alton CC’s Paul Jones organised the event, with the welcome assistance of a3crg’s timekeeping duo of Kathy Collard-Berry and Chris Thomas, and club colleagues Alan Jacob, Eddie Stevens, Ian Cargill, Mike Hayward, Caroline Brodie, Fay Bostock, Sarah Williams and Jim Woods.

A blustery south-westerly did nothing to deter the 20 entrants for Alton’s weekly time trial on the same A31 course.

Jon Hughes of VC Godalming & Haslemere showed the rest a clean pair of heels with his time of 20-59, more than 90 seconds faster than second-placed James Long (22-33) of Farnham Tri.

Shaun Blow was quickest of the five Alton riders, his 24-00 giving him fourth spot. Steve Newton recorded 24-49, Kevin Martin 25-14, Louie Malatesta 27-28 (on debut) and Charlie Williams came home in 27-44.

Alan Jacob, Eddie Stevens and Paul Jones officiated.

With nine out of 14 results now in, the Alton CC handicap league table shows Steve Newton, last year’s winner, ahead on 25 points, just two ahead of Charlie Williams, so there is everything to play for over the remaining weeks.