Norwich A B C 25

Mark Ash (Cake Gang) snatched victory by just nine seconds in the Norwich ABC 25, while Julia Freeman (Easterley Road Club) was a convincing victor in the women’s event.

Veteran rider Ash won the same event last season and posted an identical time on this occasion to win in 54 minutes and 15 seconds.

The B25/50 saw competitors start outside Harleston before competing out and back along the A143 to the turn at Bungay.

Ash, aged 46, finished third in the Diss & District CC 25 on his last open outing in August.

Spindata predicted that Lee Shipp (Diss & District CC) would take victory following three open podium positions this season.

However, Ash was not to be denied as he replicated his ride from 12 months earlier to take victory.

Shipp had to settle for another runner-up position in 54-24 and fellow veteran Nick Partridge (Sole Bay Cycle Sport) positioned third (55-42).

"I was delighted to finish first for the second consecutive year, ironically, in the same time as last year,” said Ash.

“Equally local rider Lee Shipp has pipped me to the post in every single ride, and triathlon we've ever competed in, therefore beating the spin data prediction to move from second to first was doubly pleasing."

After finishing on the podium in six women’s open events this season veteran rider Freeman finally tasted victory.

The 60-year-old stopped the clock in a winning time of 1-07-05, which was over a minute clear of her nearest opponent.

Abigail Bremner (Beccles Tri Club) finished second in 1-08-39 and Carla Shipp (Diss & District CC) completed the women’s podium positions in third (1-09-19).

Quickest road bike competitor was John Manlow (Ely & District CC/B&T Motor Repairs) in 1-10-16, while women’s road bike rider Rita Rue (West Suffolk Wheelers) completed the course in 1-21-36.

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