Sussex Cyclists' Assoc. 30

Cris Coxon (Brighton Mitre CC) gave himself a confidence boost by setting a new course record in the Sussex CA 30, while Hilary Briggs (Serpentine Running Club) was the only woman competitor.

Coxon, aged 47, took his third open victory of the season in one hour, two minutes and 43 seconds – over a minute clear of his nearest competitor.

The G30/91 saw competitors start outside Storrington before completing a 15-mile loop out to West Grinstead.

After climbing past the finish riders then completed an out-and-back leg down to Shoreham-by-Sea.

Riders were greeted by a clear morning and a warm temperature of around 22 degrees but a noticeable wind.

The previous course record was set of 1-02-49 was set by Colin Ward in 2018, which Coxon bettered by six seconds.

Coxon, from Steyning, has taken four podium positions since his last win at the VTTA Surrey/Sussex Championship 10 in April but returned to winning ways this time out.

Scratch rider Pat Wright (Paceline RT) had won his previous two races coming into the event but had to settle for second in 1-04-07.

Completing the podium position was veteran Nik Allen (Team TMC) who finished third for a third open event this season in 1-05-49.

“It was great,” said Coxon. “It was a nice morning, but it was a bit windier than people thought. They were pretty good conditions and I really enjoyed it.

“I had quite a good start to the season, but my form has dipped a bit and I needed a bit of motivation.

“It was nice to do a more local course for me and get some racing back into my legs. It was nice to get the win as there was some good riders with the likes of Pat Wright and Nik Allen who are good riders.

“It’s fantastic to beat the record, I didn’t realise until I got back to the headquarters as I didn’t have the time on my computer.

“The win has given me a bit more motivation.”

The winning team were GS Stella with the trio of Mark Jones, Richard Keevil and Tony Reeves all contributing.

Reeves was the only competitor on a road bike and completed the course in a time of 1-20-35.

Serpentine Running Club rider Briggs was the only female competitor and stopped the clock in 1-23-25.

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

 

Results:

Open:

1 Cris Coxon (Brighton Mitre CC)     1:02.43

2 Pat Wright (Paceline RT)     1:04.07

3 Nik Allen (Team TMC)       1:05.49

4 Adrian Blacker (VTTA (Surrey/Sussex)      1:11.09

5 Mark Jones (GS Stella)        1:12.47

6 James Stone (Brighton Excelsior CC)         1:15.43

Team: GS Stella (Mark Jones, Richard Keevil, Tony Reeves)          3:52.19

Woman: Hilary Briggs (Serpentine Running Club)   1:23.25

Road bike: Tony Reeves (GS Stella)  1:20.35