The first Roadman’s of the year saw new member Tony Kiss challenging fellow club mates for a top position in the Stratford CC title race. Despite a fast ride he was unable to improve on Pete Ward’s winning time of 25.17, having to settle for joint second with Mick Stallard and a time of 25.34

Stallard was one of three who showed improvement on last’s year Roadman on the Long Marston course. Also quicker than last year was Tom Heenan with an impressive time of 26.19.
Conditions were still and fair for the race which was won overall by second claim member James Wall in 23.25. Over 30 riders took part in the 11 mile race including Ewan Gibbs who finished his first time trial ever in 27.47.
The third member to show an improvement on last year was club Chairwoman Miranda Harris, with a time of 29.51, over a minute quicker than last year. Fastest female was Alison Bagnall in 27.23 and Charlotte Everard finished third in 31.17. Junior riders Tom Lane, Joseph Harris and Rory McMeekan battled it out between them finishing in 29.13, 29.43 and 30.41 respectively with a huge improvement on last year from all three.
Perhaps the biggest turn out for women time trialling, apart from the National 10 Time Trial in 2 weeks, took place at the Diana Cooke Memorial K41/10 at Wolvey, Coventry. Over 50 females rode the somewhat bumpy but flattish 10 mile course hoping for some fast times. Ruth Eyles was up for her sixth consecutive win on the course, which would have given her an equal footing with Maxine Johnson who won the event six times between 1994 and 1999 however it was not to be on the day and despite a powerful ride of 23.16 she was beaten by friend and rival Michelle King in 22.23. Rebecca Slack came second with 23.06.
Stratford CC rider Miranda Harris was delighted with 27th place in the 10 mile race. Nearly 20 riders were within a minute of one another including Harris, who was pleased to be gaining ground on her rivals with 27.43. Also pleased with his place of 17th in the men’s field of 70 was Mick Stallard who finished in 23.02 just a few seconds ahead of Pete Ward with 23.26. Another happy competitor was Martin Millington who crossed the line in 24.15, just missing out on a handicap prize. Millington has also shown consistent improvement this season. Second claim member Cameron Foster finished in 24.06. The men’s race was won by Richard Bradley in 20.51.
Not content with one race over the weekend, Pete Ward rode the Little Mountain 39.5 mile Time Trial over at Great Witley, Worcestershire which took in two timed climbs over Stanford Bank and Ankerdine Hill, just up Ward’s street. Finding the course easier than the 10 the day before, Ward’s 20th place should stand him in good stead for the West Midlands Sporting Time Trial Series this season.
The National 10 mile Time Trial, hosted by Stratford CC will take place on the K33/10 course on May 23rd. For further details about the club and the forthcoming events, please see www.stratfordcc.co.uk