Club TT series kicks off with a 1 second gap at Horne

The Redhill CC Time Trial series 2017 got underway in fine fashion on Wednesday evening and the weather gods must have been looking down on us kindly given that the early drizzle and dark grey clouds started to clear just as we got underway.

There were 11 intrepid starters on the 8.8 mile circuit course with the mercury only hitting 10 degress. Fantastic to see talented RCC new joiners Aaron Espin and Ryan Harris both out for their first taste of our own particular 'race of truth' round Horne. 

On the night, it was the super aero and silky smooth Keith Lea of Paceline RT who led the way with a scratch win of 19:41. Obviously benefiting from working hard over the winter, our own Matt Peel was just a second behind him with an early season 19:42. He was pleased to have closed the gap from last year when whatever time he recorded, Keith bettered it by 20 seconds. Almost spookily so!

Matthew Ferguson continued his impressive rise in the ranks of the racing world with a super quick 20:52 on a road bike with no aero advantages. We suspect that it won't just be in the tactical world of racing that he starts to attract attention. 

Also out, 14-year- old Ben Elliot impressed in his first TT with a very solid 24:02 and it was good to see the return of RCC perennial James Trigg over from Morzine to do a 24:04 looking silky smooth. 

Stuart Bunt should have been on course for a stunner but after two laps he was giving it a thumbs down (captured on camera). But hey, it can't go all right on all nights. Next week Stuart... (or was it a chance to record a stalking horse for the handicap competition... we shall see).

Likewise, Steve Bryant - always a contender - wasn't feeling it on the night. He looked every inch the TT pro but something wasn't connecting out there. Again, possible handicap stalking horse. Next week will reveal all.

Thanks to Nathan Chamberlain for doing the signs and pushing off and to Adrian for taking the pictures. Gallery link to follow!