Vickers sets a blistering pace at Bucks Head

Vickers marked his first visit to The Bucks Head circuit in style as he finished over two minutes clear of his nearest rival.

The Rhino Velo rider battled through the wind and cold to post an excellent time of 21 minutes 42 seconds – with a new position helping him to victory.

He explained: "It was my second time trial this year and I've had a bike fit since the last one, so I can now put the power out efficiently. It was my first time on the course, so I am pleased with my performance."

Taking the runner-up spot was the fast-improving Nova Raider Andy Rose, who posted a fine effort of 24:05.

Rose put his sports therapist theory to the test on the tough climb up Cotwall Bank and came away happy despite having to dig in to his reserves due to conditions.

He said: "I was pleased with my time and overall position. I found it challenging in places due to the blustery conditions."

With 10 of the 19-strong field from promoting club Wrekinsport it was Richard Smith who took the early lead in the club's points competition after stopping the watch on 24:36 – a time which earned him third place overall.

Smith appears to have stepped up a gear after finishing third in the 2015 contest, surprising reigning champion Fraser MacKinnon who had to settle for sixth spot on the evening in 25:20.

"I was happy enough with the time in tough conditions," said Smith. "I was feeling OK until Kirk went past me like I was going backwards!"

There were three ladies in competition and new club member Susan Jeffery went home with the spoils.

Jeffery clocked 27:56 to claim a fine win over Paramount's Juliet Suddaby, who came home in 29:48, and Wrekinsport's Tracey Billington (30:08). Round two of the Series takes place at 6.30pm tomorrow at The Buck's Head, Long Lane.

Result:1 Kirk Vickers (Rhino Velo Race Team) 21:42, 2 Andy Rose (Nova Raiders) 24:05, 3 Richard Smith (Wrekinsport CC) 24:36, 4 Jonathan Smith (Nova Raiders) 25:10, 5 Tom Byatt (Revolutions Racing) 25:17, 6 Fraser MacKinnon (Wrekinsport CC) 25:20, 7 Daniel Lamsdell (Revolutions Racing) 25:41, 8 Wayne Pryce (Wrekinsport CC) 25:59, 8 Steve Elcocks (Revolutions Racing) 25:59, 10 Dave Poulter (Wrekinsport CC) 26:01, 11 Shaun Sutton (North Shropshire Wheelers) 26:33, 12 Martin Skehan (Nova Raiders) 26:39, 13 Susan Jeffery (Wrekinsport CC) 27:56, 14 Ben Vernon (Wrekinsport CC) 28:49, 15 Kevin Brocklesby (Wrekinsport CC) 29:14, 16 Juliet Suddaby (Paramount CRT) 29:48, 17 Tracey Billington (Wrekinsport CC) 30:08, 18 Dave Spencer-Brown (Wrekinsport CC) 30:22, 19 Jim Percival (Wrekinsport CC) 31:29.