Keen to get the first race of the season out of the way, Stratford Cycling Club riders travelled over to Severn Stoke for a 10 mile time trial in bright but breezy conditions. The VC Sevale course is not known to be a fast course due to the undulating terrain, however there are several opportunities where it is possible to make up time including a fast descent in the closing mile.

Making good use of impressive downhill skills, Pete Ward was first rider home for the club with an enviable time of 22.58. Team rivals Mick Stallard and Chris Everard battled it out for second and third place with times of 23.27 and 23.34 respectively, demonstrating that the race for this year’s club title is going to be very exciting.
Trying out his new tri bars proved to be a success for Tom Heenan who rode smoothly home with a long 24 just pipping fellow club mate Martin Millington by nine seconds. Martin, who finished in 25.04, was delighted with his time which was 2 minutes quicker than last year on the same course. Also pleased with the ride was Miranda Harris who finished under her ‘standard’ time with 28.56.
Overall winner of the race was local rider Matt Clinton with 20.53, only seconds ahead of SCC second claim member James Wall who finished in 21.02. James has had an impressive start to the season with three out of four wins so far.
For more details about the club and forthcoming events, please see www.stratfordcc.co.uk