DAVE Fearon was the fastest of the Weaver Valley riders that finished his club’s open 25-mile time trial on Saturday.

He classified inside the top 40 in 1:00.35, while Ewart Howkins – ending a pause of several years since his last race against the clock – finished as runner-up in the men’s over 60s category in 1:03.33.

Emily Martin was sixth quickest among the female entrants, completing a course on roads around Byley and Allostock in a personal best of 1:06.39.

Neil Drummond (1:08.05), Caroline Fearon (1:14.04) and Alan Shuttleworth (1:16.30) completed Weaver Valley’s six-strong contingent.

Favourite Charles Taylor (Team Bottrill) duly took first prize overall in 52.02, followed by Jack Schofield (Bath CC) in 53.24.

Third-placed Ben Norbury (Congleton CC) was a further 50 seconds back.