Riders starting the 2010 cycling season on Sunday faced a cold, stiff north-east headwind on the outward leg of the first race of the year: a two-up time trial along the Island’s east coast. It was Caesarean Cycling Club riders Robin Ovenden and Chris Seviour who claimed the honours to win the first race of the 2010 season at the start of the CCC’s 75th anniversary year.

The first race of the season saw 25 pairs of cyclists attempt the 16 mile La Mare-St. Catherine’s – La Mare time trial course in bright but icy cold, blustery conditions. The strong north-east headwind meant riders had to work hard on the outward leg, the reward for which was considerable wind assistance on the run back into the finish line.

Fastest home was the Caesarean Cycling Club’s senior pairing of Chris Seviour and Commonwealth Games hopeful, Robin Ovenden, in just over 40 minutes. The established CCC veteran pairing of Kevin Pilley and Dave Mayman got their 2010 season off to a flying start with a strong ride of 41.16 minutes to claim the first vets spot and second place overall, ahead of a number of strong seniors pairs. Third spot went to Caesarean senior Paul Millar, teaming up with former clubmate, Adam Wojtkiewicz, now of Ocean Tide, the Island’s latest cycling team, in a time of 42.29.

CCC’s Sarah Henderson and Velo Sport Jersey’s Jim (Jemima) Leach renewed their partnership from the 2009 racing season to claim first finishers in the ladies category, 14th overall, in a time of 48.51. Susan Williams and Mike Keighrey of VSJ, were the first mixed pair to finish, with a strong ride in a time of 49.17 minutes. VSJ Junior pair of George Milner and Ryan O’Shea were just one second behind.

With the racing season now underway, next week’s competition features a road race in the west of the Island on the Bal Tabarin circuit, starting @ 8am on Sunday 15 March.

Thanks to Simon Fenton for organising this event.