Chester RC 15

Kieran Morris (Total Tri Training) and Keri Parton (Team Bottrill) showed their early season form by taking convincing victories at the Chester RC 15, while Steven Fidler and Frances Owen were quickest on road bikes.

The hilly 15-mile event also incorporated the opening round of the West Cheshire Time Trials CA Series.

Morris, aged 22, finished runner-up in the same event last season and 12 months on he clocked a time over a minute quicker to win in 31 minutes and 52 seconds.

Starting in Cheshire the 15-mile course included a climb at the three-mile mark on the A534 towards Wrexham. At the summit competitors turned to complete a loop of Wrexham Industrial Estate before the return leg to finish in Cheshire.

Morris took seven podium positions last season – including two wins – and was in unstoppable form in the early season event.

Ben Goodwin (Fibrax Fenwicks Wrexham Cycling Club) was the only other rider to break the 33-minute mark, in dry and still conditions, finishing second in 32-38.

Completing the open podium was Toby Williams (Velotik Racing Team) whose time of 33-06 was 40 seconds faster than quickest veteran on scratch Tony Cullen (TricentralUk).

Cullen was also quickest veteran on standard with +6:40, while Sally Cunliffe was best veteran woman on standard with +4:29.

Quickest team was TriCentralUK with Cullen joined by Chris Cox (38-54) and Paul Cubbins 36-42).

Meanwhile, Oliver Liptrot (Graham Weigh Racing - Deeside Olympic) was the fastest junior rider stopping the clock in 47-55.

Riding for in her new colours of Team Bottrill it was a first victory of the season in the women’s event for Parton who stopped the clock in a winning time of 37-12 – an average speed of over 24.1 miles per hour.

Parton has started her campaign earlier than in previous seasons but showed she already has some winning form.

“I’ve never raced this early before, it was a bit cold and a shock to the system,” said Parton.

“The course wasn’t too hill, but there were a couple of ramps up and an incline to the finish.

“It’s my first year focusing on just time trials this year and I’m excited to be part of Team Bottrill and riding with the best team of women riders in the UK.

“Everybody seems really friendly in the team and we’re going on a training camp to the Algarve. Hopefully I can get some personal bests this season and learn from the experienced riders in the team.”

Frances Owen (Fibrax Fenwicks Wrexham Cycling Club) finished fourth in the National Hill Climb Championships in October and showed her pace over the lumpy terrain to finish second woman overall and quickest female road bike competitor.

Completing the women’s time trial bike podium was veteran Cunliffe taking second in the category in 42-08, while Janet Fairclough (Liverpool Phoenix CC Aintree) was third (43-56).

The women’s road bike category was equally as competitive with Jenna Brassington (PDQ Cycle Coaching) finishing second (42-43) and Lucy Morley (Velotik Racing Team) in third (44-07).

Velo6 Racing rider Fidler took his first open victory in the road bike category recording a winning time of 34-33.

Veteran rider Barry Murphy (Graham Weigh Racing-Deeside Olympic) was second road bike in 35-57, while James Smith (Army Cycling) was third (36-54).

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.