WORLD-RENOWNED rider Marcin Bialoblocki put in an appearance at Somerset Road Club’s 10 Mile Time Trial Championship last week.

The event, open to all affiliated riders, attracted 26 competitors – among them the professional Polish cyclist Marcin Bialoblocki, of Bridgwater, who earlier this year represented his professional team CCC-Sprandi-Polkowice at the prestigious Giro d’Italia grand tour.

The time trial specialist, and holder of numerous national records, rode the course in a blistering 17:57.

Somerset RC riders competed for the overall medals.

The ladies event was won by Hannah Newsham, of Taunton, who once again showed her status as a very strong all-round rider, finishing in a time of 25:49.

In the men’s field, Taunton rider Darren Webb was fastest of the Somerset RC riders with a personal best time of 21:21.

Matt Woolacott, of Bridgwater, came second in 21:42, and Bishops Lydeard rider (and club veteran) Andy Winterbottom once again produced a very impressive performance, taking third in 22:00.

The event takes place on the club’s course near Cheddar, and is run out of the HQ at Biddisham Village Hall.

Club TT secretary and organiser Tim Reeves said: “The championships were, as always, keenly contested but the highlight was the arrival of Marcin, whose speed is absolutely remarkable and a joy to watch.

“It is an honour for the club to be associated with a rider of his international class.

“The event is part of our summer-long time trial series, run on the course near Axbridge every Wednesday.

“We have had a very successful year, with riders new and old putting in impressive performances.

“I am very grateful to our ever-present helpers Dave and Angie Nicholls, from Bridgwater, who give their time on a weekly basis to allow riders to compete.”

The time trial series – open to any CTT-affiliated rider – concludes this Wednesday, September 6.