CYCLING — Local Riders Impress At Eglinton Time-TrialTHE GTR ‘Return to Life’ racing team ran their second 10-mile time trial of 2019 on the popular Eglinton course, just outside Irvine.
A full field of 120 riders had signed up to race the clock and take advantage of close-to-perfect time-trial conditions. A south westerly breeze gave the riders a tailwind out and a slight headwind on the return leg.
Local GTR rider Matt Hennon had an early start so he could take over marshalling duties for some of the other riders in the club, allowing them to race. Matt rode a solid race, crossing the line with an excellent time of 20:29, a personal best by just over 10 seconds. Matt’s time secured fifth place in a quality field, his best result to date.
Another local rider — Patricia Baird of Ecosse Performance Cycling Coaching — had also signed up for the event and was glad she did as she also rode an amazing race, knocking 15 seconds off her personal best, stopping the clock at 23:33.
Her performance secured her fastest lady on the night. Both riders have continued to enjoy the rewards of consistent, gruelling training sessions through the 2019 season.
The race was won by the unstoppable GTR rider Douglas Watson with an incredible time of 18:55.
The club also managed to raise £500 for club founder, Stevie Blom’s Return to life charity.
Matt’s next event open event will be the 25-mile time-trial on the West Ferry course run by the Johnstone Wheelers on 25 August, where he will be looking to chip more time off his personal best set there earlier in the year.
Patricia will be in action again at the SVTTA 30-mile time trial on 1 September at Cambusbarron, just outside Stirling.
With only two months of the season left, Matt Hennon made a late decision to run the Lyle Hill climb again after its resurrection and success in 2018.
The iconic one-mile race will take place on 28 September, starting under the railway bridge at Fort Matilda, finishing just beyond the parking bays at the top of the hill.
The race was won last year by David Griffiths with a time of 3 min 57 seconds and Matt’s hoping that this year’s winner will shave a few seconds off that.
The event details can be found on the CTT website.
