Simon powers to podium in GS Stella TT weekend
The weekend of the 7th and 8th February saw the time trial season kick off proper. With the GS Stella kicking off with a two day race: 18km on the Saturday and 34km on the Sunday, both starting from the Sussex village of Storrington. Forming the AW Cycles RT this year were Rob Enslin, Junior rider Matt Gittings and myself Simon Ernest, it was with regret that Rob was forced to retire from the event as he struggled to shift a chest infection.
Pete Tadros (In Gear-Quickvit RT) was back to try and repeat his 2009 victory, also present were Chris McNamara (Corley Cycles) and Simon McNamara (Southdown Bikes RT) and the biggest threat, Wouter Sybrandy (Sigma Sport).
The course itself features one noticeable climb on the Saturday, but with several short sharp kicks with prevent you finding a rhythm. Sunday uses the entire course from the previous day but takes in an additional 16km loop featuring a short dual carriageway section and a long climb up from Arundel before returning to Storrington.
Saturday
As expected, Wouter stole the show on the Saturday, setting a blistering time of 24-34 (new course and event record) beating previous record holder Pete Tadros by 1-07. Third place went to myself with 26-20 with Chris McNamara 22s further back.
Matt Gittings did himself proud with a time of 29-44, not at all bad for a rider more used to testing over 4km on the track! And also the first and only junior, his time put right up amongst the seniors in 13th position.
Sunday
The 34km event on Sunday provide even more clear cut as the time gaps between the top five grew over those the previous day. Wouter carried on with what he started the previous day, setting a new course and event record with a time of 47-20. Pete Tadros returned with a time that of 49-09, also beating the previous course and event record but not make an impression on the mark set by Wouter. I came home with a time of 50-42 securing my third position over Chris McNamara who was a further 1-06 back.
Matt raised his game on the Sunday with 57-33, once again finishing in 13th on the day but pulling him up to 11th overall.
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