Personal bests fell as the field of over 50 riders were assisted by a strong westerly tail wind pushing them up the 1.7 mile course from the Watersplash to the top of Jubilee Hill.
CCC’s Ovenden rode a blistering race, to finish in a remarkable 4 min 15 sec -smashing the course record of 4.28, previously held by Sam Firby. CCC’s Adam Wojtkiewicz placed second, 16 seconds adrift.
Fifteen riders came in under 5 minutes, including CCC’s Dave Mayman at 4:41, as first veteran, showing a remarkably strong recovery just six months after serious injury. Caesarean’s Chris Seviour also completed a fine ride as fastest junior just 3 seconds behind at 4:44.
The first lady home was VSJ’s Jemima (Jim) Davis, in her first race of the season, with a strong ride in 5:06.
The combination of gales and wet roads yesterday morning resulted in the cancellation of the Stage 2 Watersplash Road Race. Action was scheduled to resume this morning with the Stage 3 Time Trial, over a circuit in St Ouen’s Bay.
