AFTER a rain cancellation the previous week, there was a healthy turn-out for Alton CC/Owens Cycles’ weekly time trial on a beautiful evening last Thursday.

The field included some familiar faces returning to the A31 (H10/8) course for the 10-mile event.

Nineteen riders set off and it was young Jack Freeman of VC Meudon, returning to his second-claim club, who was fastest on the night with a time of 21mins 31secs.

It was the first time out for Freeman in this summer series and only his second time trial of the season. Having concentrated on his road racing over the last two months, and not having ridden his bike for a full four days (a record for Jack), he had no idea how he would fare.

The first five back all ducked under 22 minutes, but Freeman headed the bunch.

Dom Brooks of Farnham Tri (21-40) and Steve Williamson of a3crg (21-41) weren’t far behind, while Alton rider Rick Froud made a welcome return to finish fourth in 21-48. James Long (Farnham Tri) took fifth with 21-58.

Laura Bartlett of a3crg, the lone female entrant, recorded 23-06.

Four other Alton CC riders competed, with Iain Cotton clocking 23-45, Shaun Blow 24-02, Charlie Williams 25-16 and debutant Mark Hardy 25-42.

Dick Weatherbed officiated with the stopwatch, aided by Eddy Stevens, Sarah Williams and Mike Hayward.