Lloyd Chapman (Pedal Heaven) rode to his first ever time trial victory and added his name to the list of winners in the prestigious North Road CC Hardriders 25-mile in Hertfordshire.
The 26-year-old from Hockley in Essex showed that he has some good early season form by clocking a time of 57.55 and narrowly beating team mate Joe Fry into second.
“I’m really happy and it was quite close for a 25,” said Chapman after sealing victory.
“The National Time Trial Championships is the big goal this season so I will be riding as many events as possible, although the road is the priority.”
Winding its way through the Hertfordshire countryside and villages, the course is known for its technical aspects rather than fast times.
The event, which has been held since 1939, has an illustrious list of winners including Chris Boardman, Sean Yates and Chris Newton.
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After finishing fourth at the season opening Perf’s Pedal Road Race two weeks ago, in a race his team dominated Chapman snatched victory despite feeling tired coming into the event.
With short but leg-sapping climbs the course meant that only seven riders went under the hour.
After last year’s event was cancelled due to icy conditions organiser of the historic race Neil Lewis was relieved when sub-zero overnight conditions left no ice for the 8.30am start.
It was Chapman’s first open time trial victory but he fell well short of the course record of 56.36 set by Wouter Sybrandy (IG Sigma Sport) in 2012.
Local boy Fry missed out on the much sought after victory by eight second ahead of former winner Ashley Cox (CC Luton), who was also part of the fastest team.
Fastest woman home was 39-year-old Jodi Conibear (Hemel Hempstead CC) who set a time of 1 hour 15 minutes 51 seconds.
Fastest junior was Michael Parry (Welling Wheelers) and quickest veteran on standard was Roy Chamberlin (Corley Cycles).
Results:
1 Lloyd Chapman (Pedal Heaven RT) in 57.55
2 Joe Fry (Pedal Heaven RT) 58.03
3 Ashley Cox (CC Luton) 58.29
4 Tejvan Pettinger (Sri Chinmoy CT) 58.49
5 Sebastien Dixon (Thanet CT) 59.38
6 Conall Yates (In Gear RT) 59.58
7 George Fox (Wellingborough CRT) 59.59
8 Rhys Howell (Richardson Trek RT) 1.00.00
9 Douglas Coleman (CC Luton) 1.00.16
10 John Mulvey (Cambridge University CC) 1.01.28
Women: Jodi Conibear (Hemel Hempstead CC) 1.15.51
Junior: Michael Parry (Welling Whls) 1.07.21
Veteran on standard: Roy Chamberlin (Corley Cycles) +4.23
Team: CC Luton
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