Dundee Thistle 25

George Peden (Team PB Performance) was the only rider to break 46-minute mark as he battled to victory by 13 seconds in the men’s RTTC National 25 Mile Championship.

The 23-year-old, originally from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, smashed his previous personal best recording a new benchmark of 45 minutes and 59 seconds.

Competitors started outside Forfar, in Angus, Scotland, before firstly heading down the A90 to Glamis Junction - coming within the opening two miles.

Riders then headed back on the A90 in a north-easterly direction past the stat/finish area passing Millton of Finavon to the junction at Brechin Castle Country Park.

The last 10 miles saw competitors battle back up the A90 before exiting for the finish back outside Forfar.

Despite the smooth tarmac on the flat Scotland course a tough last leg impacted on some times.

Peden came into the event unbeaten in open events this season with six victories from as many time trials.

The Leeds-based rider recorded an average speed of over 32.6 miles per hour on his way to taking a first national title.

Scratch man Adam Duggleby (ADDFORM Vive Le Velo) also came into the event unbeaten including winning the National 50 and 100-mile Championships already this season.

On this occasion Duggleby had to settle for second in 46-12 ahead of Michael Gill (HUUB WattShop) in third (47-09).

Spindata had predicted that Gill would win ahead of Peden, but in reality that result was reversed.

“It was good, luckily the weather stayed dry which was something I was concerned about,” said Peden.

“It was a tough course, not too windy but challenging and tough on the way back. It definitely dragged up towards the finish.

“I was pleased with how it went, I probably went out a bit too hard which always seems to be the way.

“I’m pleased with my pacing, it definitely wasn’t disastrous. The time reflects that I did a good job, I think.

“I beat my personal best on what was not a massively fast course, I was definitely pleased with that. I had it in mind and fancied going under 46 minutes, I was working towards that as an average speed which gave me motivation to push.

“You’re never quite sure what other riders are going to do and I like to have something to aim towards.”

Quickest veteran on scratch Douglas Watson finished sixth in 47-59 and led GTR - Return To Life p/b Streamline to the team prize alongside Chris Smart (48-38) and Ray Wilson (49-55).

Event organiser Angus Wilson (Dundee Thistle) finished 25th overall in 52-52, while 90-year-old Alexander Munro (SVTTA) completed the course in 1-18-46.

Images by Kimroy Photography. Full gallery here

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