Paul Winkley writes…
I think the ‘world and his wife’ was out for this one, with a full field [120] for the solo event + 10 reserves.
This event was in fact 3 over the 25 mile distance. Tandems, 2up team time trial and solos.
East Grinstead fielded 2 teams in the 2up TTT with the Ben Hardisty and Rob Dickson pairing off first [ Rob riding as 1st reserve for Stefano Arcidiacono who has a stiff neck] coming home with a time of 1:06:49. As it turns out they narrowly avoided being caught by the Paul Blackmore/ Andy Seltzer express starting 10 minutes later and finishing in 57:42.
It was then time for the solo riders to do their stuff. Honorary ‘Grinnie’ Steve Rollason faced the timekeeper first finishing in 1:01:26 on his new Cervelo bike – identical to the one used by Fabian Cancellara the day before to win the World Time Trial Championship. Close on his heels was Paul Winkley, after a slow start, managed to pick up his pace in the second half of the race to record 1:02:15.
Starting number 110 Steve Dennis faced the timekeeper as well as the increasing traffic, complaining he was ‘baulked’ at most roundabouts, can’t have been too bad he still recorded 52:50 – a time most people can only dream about!
Last to start ‘evergreen’ Ted Boorman recorded 1:02:53
As it turned out Steve Dennis’ time was good enough for 2nd place only being beaten by Dave Dent [Wightlink Offshore CC] 52:36.
Thanks as usual to ‘lensman’ Mike Anton doing his usual sterling service with some superb action shots.
Catch all the action on Mike Anton’s photography website here pics from event