Medway Velo Club 10

Nic Fennell earned his second victory of the season at the Medway Velo Club 10-mile time trial in Kent on Sunday morning, while Maria Sparks claimed her first in the women’s category.

Riding for Thanet RC Fennell recorded an unbeaten 20-43, staving off competition from VeloRefined Rule 5 rider Andrew Meilak who clocked 21-38 and third placed Paul Burrows (Thanet RC), whose time of 22:10 saw him finish as the fastest road bike competitor as well as on the time trial podium.

Having won last month’s VTTA 30, Fennell was looking to record a second successive win on the time trial bike and the senior rider proceeded to do just that, powering to victory with just under a minute to spare.

“It was good to finally ride another TT this season, as I haven't done many yet in 2024,” said Fennell.

“Medway Velo always put on good events on different courses, which makes for some nice variety. It has been a while since an open TT has run on the A20, so was good to ride it again, and being a new version of the course it was good to get the course record.

“I'm pleased with my ride this morning but definitely room for improvement, as I always forget how tough the return leg is. I’m now looking forwards to getting some more races in soon.”

Douglas Tulett, also of Thanet RC, finished as the fastest youth with a time of 24-28, whilst Sally Smith, who was riding her third event in 36 hours, was the fastest female to complete the course in a road bike.

In the women’s event Sparks (Ashford Wheelers) topped the leaderboard with 25-34, a time which would earn her 19th place in the overall standings. On her win, Sparks said: “Having raced on Saturday afternoon I wasn’t sure I had the legs for this too, but thought I’d give it a go.

“It was a very undulating and energy-sapping course, particularly being uphill most of the way home. It was a nice course to ride, and dare I say it, I would ride it again! Great organisation by Medway Velo CC and some great efforts by all riders.”

The 10 mile out and back event, run on the Q10/44 course, starts just north of Charing where it ventures south on Maidstone Road to Ashford before doubling back to finish in the village of Charing.

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