Morpeth-based time trial ace Carl Donaldson (GS Metro) stormed to victory in the Teesdale CRC 40.5-mile time trial in County Durham on Sunday, equalling Wayne Randle’s 10-year-old course record in the process.

The 35-year-old clocked 1:48.48 to tie with Randle’s 2006 time, and take the win by more than two minutes on a dry but chilly day with a slight northerly headwind on the T405 course near Barnard Castle.

Second spot went to Preston CC’s Matt Moorhouse, while the winner for the last three years, Rob Carter (TS Racing Team) had to settle for third this time out with 1:52.29.

Donaldson also led GS Metro to the team prize alongside Ali Bailey and Ben lane, while Karen Poole (Hambleton RC) was fastest female with 2:14.21.

“I was a little bit frustrated to be honest,” said Donaldson. “Just one second would’ve got me the course record. I keep thinking where I might’ve been able to eke out that second, but I had nothing left when I crossed the line.

“But to equal the record of a legend like Wayne Randle is great. He’s a real legend so it’s an honour to tie with his record.”

Three PBs in three riders so far this season have marked a good start to the season for Donaldson, who added: “There was a bad headwind all the way out, and it was cold too, especially when you hit the tops after climbing up there and you’re sweaty.”

Donaldson, who also won the Barnesbury CC hilly 21 earlier in the season, plans to ride the Tyneside Vagabonds Mountain TT in a couple of weeks.

Top junior was reigning national cyclo-cross champion Mark Donovan (Beacon Wheelers) with 1:55.08 which was good enough for sixth overall, while second-placed Matt Moorhouse was also the pick of the 40-49 veterans.

Andrew Moss (Adept Precision RT) clocked 2:11.50 to win the veteran 50-59 category, while Peter Skelton (Clifton CC) won the over-60 veterans prize with 2:42.27. And Bailey also bagged a special prize for under-23 riders.

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

 

Results:

1. Carl Donaldson (GS Metro) 1:48.48

2. Matt Moorhouse (Preston CC)         1:50.58

3. Rob Carter (TS Racing Team-OTR) 1:52.29

4. Alistair Wareham (SSLL Racing Team)       1:54.40

5. Jon Sturman (Activ Cycles) 1:54.56

6. Mark Donovan (Beacon Wheelers)  1:55.08

7. Blaine Metcalf (Team Swift)            1:55.30

8. Rich Hunt (Army CU)         1:56.08

9. Joe Le Sage (Rutland CC)       1:57.03

10. Elliot Gowland (Team Bottrill)       1:59.01

Team: GS Metro (Carl Donaldson, Ali Bailey, Ben Lane)        5:58.55

Women: Karen Poole (Hambleton RC)            2:14.21

Veterans 40: Matt Moorhouse

Veterans 50: Andrew Moss (Adept Precision) 2:11.50

Veterans 60+: Peter Skelton (Clifton CC)        2:42.27

Under-23s: Ali Bailey (GS Metro)       2:09.01

Handicap: Ali Bailey   1:41.31