CYCLING — Update From Inverclyde VeloTHE fourth race in the Inverclyde Velo Alex Hunter Time Trial League took place on 18 April.
The conditions for the 14 riders who took part were calm but very cold. Newcomer Scott McKendrick set an excellent time of 34 minutes 38 seconds at his first attempt. The race was won by Matt Hennon who crossed the line over a minute ahead of the rest of the field in 29 minutes 43 seconds.
Matt Hennon
Results: Matt Hennon 29.43; Allan Holms 30.52; Rory McMillan 31.01; Robert McGonigal 31.19; George McCarter 31.40; Derek Robinson 32.36; Robert McCready 33.03; Peter Harridge 33.26; Danny McLaughlin 33.43; Scott McKendrick 34.38 (First time); Tam May 34.34; Mark Smith 34.48; Grant Foley 35.21; Alistair Gillespie 36.08; Scott Newman Did not finish (Technical)
Conditions for the APR (Australian pursuit race) on Thursday 20 April were cold and dry, with a westerly wind. With lighter evenings, the event has now been extended to two laps of the IBM to power station loop making initial pacing very important. The first group set off with riders Grant Foley, Mark Smith, Hugh Jamison and Tam May, with the second group of George McCarter, Niall Blackburn, Derek Robinson, Alistair Gillespie and Paul Symington starting the chase three minutes later. The scratch group consisted of Robert McCready, Scott Newman, Matt Hennon and Rory McMillan, a further two minutes behind.
All groups worked well together from the start to close down the gaps. The scratch group, down to three riders after Scott peeled off after one lap to save his legs for the Tour of the Meldons hilly time trial on Sunday, closed down the gap on the second group at the beginning of lap two. After they overtook, Niall managed to jump over and hang on to the group for a few miles. With group one now in the crosshairs on the return leg to the Cloch, the scratch group powered on to close the gap. The remaining six riders were all trying to get the best position on the wheel for the run in to the finish line, with the pace rising dramatically just after the Cloch Lighthouse from where Matt Hennon launched a fierce sprint, crossing the line in first place.
The Alex Hunter Summer Time Trial League is supported by Inverclyde Velo. All are welcome. Riders meet every Tuesday and Thursday on Cloch road just after McInroy’s Point at 6.45pm throughout the summer. Anyone using Strava can check out the route for the time trial and APR using the “Cloch Time Trial” segment.
