Inverclyde Now Logo CYCLING — Update From Inverclyde Velo

24 May, 2017 | Sport

THIRTEEN riders took part in the eighth race in the Inverclyde Velo Alex Hunter Time Trial League, on 16 May.

They enjoyed the best conditions of the year so far –- warm and dry, with only a gentle breeze on the outward leg to contend with. In these favourable conditions, Paul Symington and Alistair Gillespie both took around two minutes off their previous best times. Both riders are showing the benefits to be gained from regular training at the time trial, Thursday APR (Australian Pursuit Race) and weekend clubs runs. 

Scott Newman, above, took the victory in 28 minutes, 50 seconds continuing his fine run of form with the fastest time recorded on the standard course so far this season.

Results: Scott Newman 28:50, Matt Hennon 30:10, Robert McGonigal 30:43, George McCarter 30:54, Paul Symington 31:10 PB, Alan Holms 31:20, Derek Robinson 32:08, Tam May 32:44, Danny McLaughlin 33:38, Alistair Gillespie 33:44 PB, Grant Foley 33:54, Gerry Malone 37:28 (First Time), Kevan McCartney DNF

On Thursday 18 May, there was another great turnout for the APR training on the Cloch course. Alex Hunter allocated riders to the most appropriate group, making sure they got the most out the session. 

The first group off comprised John Duffy, Mark Smith, Derek Robinson, Grant Foley and Bruce Hunter. The second group, with Paul Symington, Ryan Bunyan and George McCarter, went out on the chase two minutes later. The scratch group, with Scott Newman, Alan Holms and Robert McGonigal, set out to reel the groups in. With a consistently high pace, the scratch group caught the second group at the power station on the second lap. Scott closed down the gap to the first group with a strong solo effort and rode through, with Ryan Bunyan the only rider able to match his pace. They rode clear and, after some exciting cat-and-mouse tactics towards the finish, Scott launched his sprint and took the win.

In open racing, George McCarter and Alistair Gillespie both competed with 39 other riders in the CTT (Cycling Time Trials) event at the Georgetown road near Houston on 17 May. The popular, flat course was now free from road works and both Inverclyde Velo riders performed well in the benign conditions with George securing 16th place and Alistair in 28th.

The Alex Hunter Summer Time Trial League is supported by Inverclyde Velo.

All are welcome; riders meet every Tuesday on Cloch Road just after McInroy’s Point and every Thursday along at the Gantock flats for the APR. Both events start at 6.45pm throughout the summer. Anyone using Strava can check out the route for the time trial and APR using the “Cloch Time Trial” segment.

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