Swindon RC rider Sherwood clocks a sub-24 ten TT (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Swindon RC rider Sherwood clocks a sub-24 ten TT

A FIELD of 71 riders, including six from Swindon Road Club, contested the latest round of the WTTA Hardriders series on an undulating course between Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett.

And a light mist and a drifting south-westerly wind made the return leg from Wootton Bassett a fairly brisk affair.

But last year's winner, Nik Gardiner (timtrial.co.uk RT), could manage only third place by a single second from Richard Pettinger as Richard Marsh (Somer Valley) improved by a minute to take the win.

Of the SRC contingent, Trevor Sherwood pushed Chris Lowe all the way, recovering almost 30 seconds of the 90-second gain Lowe had made in the first 15 miles, but was unable to overturn the deficit.

Paul Gregg made the third team counter in a good time of 1hr 19min 13sec while Gary Loyden reaped the rewards of his winter training by improving almost five minutes from his time of last year.

Chris Broad-Drake suffered with mechanical problems while Mick Murkin thoroughly enjoyed himself.

The club's first ten-mile time trial of the season also got off to a good start with 32 riders lining up to do battle. On a dry, cool and still evening, many riders complained that the air was heavy, making for slower times.

Even so, Trevor Sherwood took the honours while Adrian Smith set a new personal best over the course.

Results: Trevor Sherwood 23.48, Graham Messer 24.07, Chris Broad-Drake 24.26, Daniel Higgs 24.29 (2nd claim, Junior), Mark Kent 24.29 (2nd claim), Joe Schvartz 24.37, Malcolm Walklett 25.10, Gary Loyden 25.29, Tony Jordan 26.29, Clive Gwyther 26.33, Jeff Smith 26.41, Marc Allen 26.46, Keith Williams 26.56, Justin Robbins 27.06, Daniel Williams 27.11, Mick Murkin 27.22, Ian Foskett 27.46, Bernie McPhail 28.27, Adrian Smith 28.55 (PB).

For news and information about the Swindon Road Club, check out their website on www.swindon-rc.co.uk