Thanet RC 10

Maria Sparks earned her fifth win of the season at the Thanet RC 10-mile time trial on Sunday morning, with Nic Fennell claiming victory in the open category.

Ashford Wheelers rider Sparks clocked 24-34 to stave off competition from Debbie Percival (Medway Velo Club), who finished in second place with 25-35, while a time of 26-02 was enough to see host club competitor Abigail Langley into third position.

It was back-to-back victories for Sparks after her win at the West Kent RC 25-mile time trial last Sunday.

On her win, Sparks said: “It was a very hot race this morning with minimal wind.

“A puncture in the warm up made for a questionable start, but the sealant held out enabling me to take the win for the females.

“As always, huge thank you to the organisers and marshalls who make these events possible.”

In the open category, Fennell (Thanet RC) posted an unbeaten 19-32 to finish ahead of fellow host club rider Paul Burrows who set 20-13.

In addition to earning second, Burrows finished as the fastest road bike competitor and as the fastest veteran in the 40-49 bracket in what turned out to be a fine morning for the Thanet RC rider.

Andrew Meilak of VeloRefined Rule clocked 20-15 to finish third and as the fastest veteran in the 50-59 age bracket.

Overall though, Fennell lived up to his billing of Spindata pre-race favourite to earn his sixth win of the season and continue his fine form on the road.

On his win, Fennell said: “It was a great morning and that showed with some quick times on course today.

“I have had several weeks off the bike due to illness and holiday, so it was good to get racing again.

“I was very pleased with my time despite the lack of form compared to earlier in the season.

“A big thanks to the Paul (Burrows) for picking up the organisation of the event after it was cancelled earlier in the season.”

Peter Huckstep (Thanet RC) was the quickest rider around the course in the 70-79 veterans category, while Colin Inett, also of Thanet RC, claimed the Kent Veterans record with a time of 27-23 at the age of 83.

This 10-mile event, run on the Q10/30 course, begins on Sweechbridge Road where it heads east onto the A299. After u-turning at Monkton Roundabout, it retraces its steps to finish adjacent to North Stream Road.

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

Results

Open:

1. Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) 19.32

2. Paul Burrows (Thanet RC)  20.13              

3. Andrew Meilak (VeloRefined Rule 5) 20.15

4. Mathew Lister (Thanet RC) 20.59             

5. Gary Grayland (CC Bexley) 21.05

6. Alex Milne (Ashford Tri Club) 21.14

Women:

1. Maria Sparks (Ashford Wheelers) 24.34

2. Debbie Percival (Medway Velo Club) 25.35         

3. Abigail Langley (Thanet RC) 26.02

4. Fiona Howarth (VC Deal) 27.48    

5. Rowena Howey (Southborough & District wheelers) 28.14

6. Carol Tsan (Southborough & District wheeler) 29.51