Paul answers the Clarion call in style

Pre-race favourite Paul Lunn claimed victory with a probable course record time in the opening event of the season for Fenland Clarion.

Thirty one members took on the challenging ‘Place to Place’ route of just under 22 rolling miles from Folksworth to Oundle to Morborne and a renowned hill finish.

Lunn finished in 49.17 which is thought to be the first sub 50 minute finish on the course. Jonny Hynes was second with 50:39 andSteve Maile third in 51:54.

For the ladies Lindsay Clarke once again showed her quality with a victory in 1:00:53 ahead of Tonya Smiths 1:03:11 and Barbara Gunn’s 1:28:30.

There were also great performances from some of the younger riders.

Thomas Stegeman continues to make great progress and finished in sixth place with 52:49, while George Woodall made a dazzling debut with a ride time of 53:58, although his ‘late to start’ penalty of 2:07 meant he dropped from what should have been ninth place to finish 12th.

The two youngest riders, 12 year-old Evander Wishart and Harry Tozer also coped well with the somewhat long distance challenge for their age with Evander finishing in 1:06:54 andHarry in 1:05:49.

An impressive 20 riders broke the hour mark.

Leading results: Lunn 49:17, Hynes 50:39, Steve 51:54,Daniel Wilson 52:36, Simon Pitchford 52:46, Stegeman 52:49, Shane Mezzatesta 53:06, Ian Waddilove 53:50, ChrisShaw54:35,ChrisPithey 55:15, Dave Thorold 55:56, Woodall 56:05 Matthew Lay 56:08, Stuart Cleworth 56:16, Shaun Brennan 56:21, Lynden Leadbeater 57:03, Hudaifa Cox 57:54, Steve Skelhon 58:00, Phil Merritt 58:43, Joe Clarke 59:44..

Paul Lunn