WTTA Hardrider Series counting event. Course map on the Hardrider Website.

The forecast mild and dry conditions failed to materialise as rain prior to the start of the event made for wet roads for most of the course. While not too cold there was an unhelpful breeze which made the A38 leg a little more taxing than it otherwise would of been. With two laps taking in the northern loop and the climbs of North Nibley, Stinchcombe and Tortworth it promised to be tough race and it was certainly was. (Yes, that was me slumped on the floor at the HQ!)

Last year's event winner Tim Wood (LukRacing.net) in a time of 1:00:58 took 1:09:32 this time although the course was just over two miles longer at a bit under 29 miles which underlines the quality of his ride on the harder loop. Second in a time of 1:11:15 was Hardrider Series leader Richard Marsh (Somer Valley CC) despite having placed 11th in the first Rudy Project National round on Saturday afternoon. Regular visitor to the Severn event Nik Gardiner (timetrial.co.uk) placed third with a 1:11:57 ahead of Pete Wheddon (Clevedon & District) who was fourth and first vet in a time of 1:14:46. Wood's LukRacing.net team mate Paul Osborne rounded out the top five with a time of 1:15:44.

Aside from Wheddon leading the vets home it was another LukRacing.net rider Brenda Parker who took the ladies prize with a very impressive ride of 1:28:10 while David Curtis-Whitfield (Sodbury Cycle Sport) took the under 18's prize with a time of 1:37:23. Some how both LukRacing.net and Dursley RC managed to tie for the team prize both recording 3:53:26. The LukRacing.net trio consisted of Wood, Osborne and Parker while Dursley's consisted of Derek Smetham, Dave Rudland and Steve Best.

Severn riders in action were Kevin Thomas - 1:21:59, Martyn Green - 1:23:01, Paul Nolan - 1:24:46, Simon Townsend - 1:28:08, Bernie Brown - 1:31:24 and in her first open event, Jacqueline Wadsworth - 1:44:00.

Thanks to all the marshals and helpers - a stirling job, well done.

Final Result