Over 40 riders gathered for the annual Medway Velo 10 mile Time Trial in Chilham on Saturday 14 May.

Despite the very wet conditions riders gathered on the start line with a smile before navigating the course.

Winning the competition outright was Chris Fennell of the Independent Pedaler in 20.07. The TT specialist would have undoubtedly broken the 20 minute barrier had he not stopped for a dropped chain.

The second step on the podium was filled by his brother Nic Fennell of Thanet RC in 20.59.

The ladies competition winner, Alex Clay of The Independent Pedaler also took third in the overall event with a 22.05.

Second lady went to Rebecca Wilson of Rye and District Wheelers in 26.16 followed by Susan Wallbrook of Thanet RC in 27.32.

Road bike winners were Neil Harrigan, Gemini BC and Nicky Spensley, Kent Velo Girls.

Had they not been set off at very different times you’d been forgiven for thinking the velo team had raced round the course together as their times were so close. Club bragging rights went to Michael Stanley in 26.25, followed by Alex Cook in 26.35 then Tom Kennison in 27.16. Unfortunately Lee Kingston was forced to retire mid race.

The event was organised by Phil Booth who sent his thanks to the riders and volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly.

Thanks to Mike Savage Photography for the images. Please check out the event gallery to purchase your photo.

https://www.mikesavagephotography.co.uk/event-galleries/2021-events-121/2122-005/

Despite being up at the crack of dawn to marshall the 10 Matt Nunn headed to Cyclopark on Saturday afternoon for the SERRL.

Racing in the 4th Cat event with 30 riders Matt shook off the demons of the past where he has struggled with the course and rode a very strong race. The field split and he ensured he was on the right side of the split.

As the pace ramped up he kept his cool and sprinted in to 11th place.

He then stayed to watch clubmate Jon Graciano in the 3rd cats. This was another quick race and Jon stayed in contention throughout.

As it came to the sprint he claimed 12th overall.

On Sunday an intrepid team of four Velos headed to Essex to race in the British Masters’ Cycle Racing events on the new Northern Gateway circuit at Colchester.

Covid regulations dictated that race format was two 30 minute races, rather than just one longer race.

Race 1 was contested during a heavy storm and right from the off the Velo team got stuck in to try and force a break with at least one of them within it, it took about 10 minutes for this when Rob Kennison jumped across to two attackers and they proceeded to work together to establish a lead, whilst Andy Hawes, Jonny Graciano and Steve Smith did their best to deter any chasers.

The lead group stayed together until the final when Rob used his experience to unleash his sprint early ensuring he entered the short finish straight with a convincing lead, Andy came in at the front of the chase group to claim a well deserved 6th place.

After a 45 minute break the team were back on the grid for race 2, this time Andy attacked from the front the moment the flag dropped for the rolling start, with the rest of the team sitting at the front of the peloton his lead grew to 10 seconds but after 5 laps of freedom the attacks from the bunch became too much for him to resist and Rob tracked another rider across the gap, although the trio got working together small groups gradually crossed the gap until there were 10 leaders with all the Velos except Steve who was patrolling the remainder of the bunch.

From the lead group a sprint finish seemed inevitable, however with just half a mile remaining Marco Coppola (ColourTech) jumped clear with Andy who just didn’t quite have the legs to get past at the line, Rob again showed he had learned how to ride this particular sprint with another long one to finish third just a second behind.