JIM Duffy made a promising start to a new time trial season during the Withington Wheelers’ Open 25 on Saturday.

The Weaver Valley Cycling Club rider, whose form continues to improve each year, completed the course in 56.11 – an average speed of 26.69mph – to classify ninth overall.

Geoff Mullett was the next best of the Northwich outfit’s contingent, stopping the clock in 58.14 (25.758mph) to finish just outside the top 20.

Alistair Stanway posted 1:01.6 (24.55mph) to classify 56th, followed by Chris Gilbertson in 1:02.48 (23.885mph) and then veteran Jim Williams in 1:06.45 (22.472mph).

At the top of the time-sheet, Jonathan Gildea (Para-T Cycling) took first prize ahead of Mark Turnbull (TORQ Performance) after setting a marker of 53.04.

Joseph Dobson (Manchester Bicycle Club) took third in 54.32.