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Jessica Morrish (Royal Navy Cycling (RNC)) celebrated her maiden open victory at the North Devon Velo 10-Mile Time Trial on 3 August 2025, clocking 24:33 to top the women’s category in Devon. Blake Pond (Nopinz ) added his 17th win of the season with 19:56, breaking the 20-minute barrier on the S12/10 course, in a race that highlighted emerging and veteran talent.
The S12/10, a 10-mile out-and-back along the A377 from Bishops Tawton to Underleigh, tested riders with its steady demands. Morrish marked her debut open event with a commanding performance, finishing ahead of Tori Loze (Nopinz ) (25:21), who had won her last five opens. “It was a good ride today,” Pond said of his win. “I went out strong and knew at halfway I was up. I thought it might be close to a PB, but eased off when my visor steamed up. Still happy to take the win with a 40-second gap to Sam Wordley—we’ve got a good local rivalry!”
Pond outpaced Sam Wordley (Nopinz ) (20:36) and Jon Tune (CCC RT) (20:38). Ben Staley (North Devon Velo) claimed the road bike category with 23:34 (6th overall), followed by clubmates Stewart Henderson (North Devon Velo) (28:29) and Neil Bennett (North Devon Velo) (28:33), dominating the road bike podium.
The event showcased depth across age groups, with Veteran categories (40+ in 5-year bands) highlighting experience. In the open field, Frederick Mayall (Exeter Whs CC) (AG 60-64) topped his band with 23:56, Adrian Street (Somerset Road Club) (AG 50-54) followed with 24:14, and Simon Brown (CS Dynamo) (AG0-64) led with 28:48. Michael Ashurst (Army Cycling) (AG70-74) impressed with 34:30.
Morrish’s debut win signals a promising career, while Pond, with 17 victories including last month’s North Devon Velo 10, continues his dominant season. Their successes on the A377 affirm their status as key figures in Devon cycling, with Pond noting the satisfying rivalry with Wordley.
The North Devon Velo 10-Mile Time Trial, unfolded on the S12/10 course, a 10-mile out-and-back starting outside Bishops Tawton on the A377, heading to Underleigh, and finishing near the start after a U-turn. Hosted by North Devon Velo, the event drew competitive fields in sunny conditions, rewarding precision and power.
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