Sian Marsh (Team Boompods) broke the course record on her way to a narrow victory in the Bath Cycling Club 25, while Robert Francis (Pronto Bikes) was a clear winner in the men’s event.

Marsh, aged 29, recorded a time of one hour and 13 seconds beating the previous course record by over a minute.

The U370 course saw riders start and finish near West Woodlands before completing an out and back course starting on the B3092 and then A361 past Frome and then making the turn for home.

Known as one of the fastest 25-mile courses in the West DC district the event attracted strong local riders as well as some from further afield, with the sun shining on those that made the start line.

After some overnight rain, the U370 course near Frome offered calm and clear conditions as the course steadily dried during the event.

In the men’s event Francis was a comfortable winner recording a time of 52 minutes and 58 seconds which was just over three minutes clear of his nearest challenger.

The 24-year-old took his fourth victory of the season after also winning the Westbury Wheelers 26-mile event last weekend.

Host club rider Rob Pears (Bath Cycling Club) put in a strong performance (56-01) to finish second overall and quickest veteran on standard.

The battle for third could not have been closer as Nick Bunyard (Pronto Bikes) and Simon Brace (Bath Cycling Club) both finished in exactly 56-20.

Host club Bath Cycling Club secured the team prize with Rob Pears, Simon Brace and Tom Bertenshaw (58-20) the counting riders.

In the road bike category Karl Norris (360VRT) was fastest in 57-32 beating Morgan Curle (Rogue Racing) into second (59-36).

The women’s event was a close contest as despite Marsh breaking the course record veteran rider Kim Barfoot-Brace (Bath Cycling Club) finished just eight seconds behind in second (1-00-21).

Marsh was also victorious in the Chippenham & District Wheelers 10 last month and took her second open time trial win.

Completing the podium position was Nicki Carr (FTP RC) who finished third in 1-04-12.                    

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

Results:

Men:

1          Robert Francis              Pronto Bikes      52:58

2              Rob Pears                    Bath Cycling Club           56:01               

=3        Nick Bunyard                Pronto Bikes      56:20               

=3           Simon Brace                 Bath Cycling Club          56:20   

5          Tom Bertenshaw           Bath Cycling Club          58:20               

6              Alastair McChesney       Bath Cycling Club          59:20               

Women:

1              Sian Marsh                   Team Boompods            1:00:13            

2              Kim Barfoot-Brace         Bath Cycling Club          1:00:21            

3              Nicki Carr                     FTP RC  1:04:12            

4              Caroline Nottage            Army Cycling    1:06:35            

5          Ellie Armstrong Bristol South Cycling Club          1:07:34 

6        Mary-Jane Hutchinson   Bristol South Cycling Club            1:15:15            

Road Bikes:

1          Karl Norris                    360VRT  57:32            

2        Morgan Curle                Rogue Racing       59:36