Coursed shortened due to roadworks on the coast road - the start changed to Gorey Pier.

Ovenden leads the field

Caesarean Cycling Club senior and Commonwealth Games hopeful Robin Ovenden demonstrated his credentials with a resounding victory in the Reverse Round Island Time Trial coming in ahead of the field by nearly four minutes in 55:04.

In second place and top veteran was Kevin Pilley, finishing in a time of 59:03, 52 seconds ahead of Velo Sport Jersey’s Mark Nish, who claimed third spot in a time just under the hour mark at 59:55.
Caesarean Sarah Henderson was first lady home in a time of 69:40.

Roadworks on the Coast Road cut the distance of this event from around 29 to 24 miles this year, with the usual start at La Mare being replaced with a start at Gorey. This meant that riders were immediately faced with the uncomfortable ascent of Gorey Hill right at the start of the ride, without the having had the benefit of the flat approach stage along the coast.

This did not phase Robin Ovenden who blasted around this testing course which, along with the ascents of Gorey Hill and La Pulente, takes in various punishing drags as it traverses the Island along the north and west coasts before ending up at Red Houses.

Sea fog and a cool, stiff NE breeze were present at the start in Gorey, with the fog remaining in place until riders reached St John where the sun had burnt through. [KP]