The Tour de France inspired thirteen cyclists to take to the road and race against themselves and the clock in the 15km Individual Time Trial. Christine Kerr was the first to head off on her reclining bike and was accompanied on the loop by Zane D'Mello with the two completing the ride together. At one minute intervals, Barb Glenister and Dom Micono were next off the mark with this event marking the first road race completed by Micono after a hiatus due to back problems. Micono maintained great speed and finished with an average of just under 30 km/hr.
Julie Firth took off at +03:00 minutes followed by Tom Glenister, Johny Barber, Peter Burchell and Dave Rakuscek. Riders weren't too sure who Johny was at the start as he had pulled out his secret weapon - a road bike! Johny is usually seen on his hybrid and the lighter frame and slick tyres of the roadie made him a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking of new bikes, Andrew Toovey had temporarily retired his trusty Cadex and emerged on a Giant TCR that looked remarkably similar to that usually ridden by Roger Swan........Tooves headed off at +08:00 minutes with Johnathan Tamm and Deb Carlyon following. Reigning time trial winner Paul Dodson was the last to leave the starting area and immediately settled into an aero dynamic position and fast pace.
At the end of the first lap all cyclists were flying and the gaps between each remained consistent. This altered slightly into the second lap with some gaining time and using this to spur them into the final lap of this 5km circuit.
Paul Dodson claimed fastest time finishing in corrected time of 26:27 and averaging an impressive 34km/hr. Given the many corners in this circuit this is a great time. Johny Barber was second fastest and Tim Glenister third.
Julie Firth was the first female home in a time of 28:29 and an average of 31.6km/hr. Firth was followed by Deb Carlyon and Barb Glenister who averaged 30.9km/hr and 28.3km/hr respectively.
Many thanks to Paul Wilson for coordinating the event, Damon Angelatos for timekeeping and Scott Cox, Jennie Haste and Ian Andrews for marshaling. Thanks also to Tim and Barb Glenister for putting out the signs.
A full list of results is listed below and the Picasa photostream to the right has been updated with photos from today's event and courtesy of blackswanphotos.com
Spokes' next event is a mountain bike ride from Lavendar Farm, followed by a lunch at the Farm. Full details will be sent out next week.
