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The Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service CC 12-mile time trial on Saturday in Northumberland saw John Routledge and Ellen Powell claim open and women’s titles, respectively, amid rolling terrain on the M12S course. This event highlighted the season’s competitive form.
John Routledge (GTR - Return To Life p/b Streamline) secured victory with 25-56, his third win in four recent rides, following successes at the Northumberland and Durham CA 50-mile and Gosforth RC 12. He beat Philip Kennell (Zurbaran Racing) at 26-26 and Jay Pitt (Outlands) tt (Outlands) at 27-09. Routledge said, “It was a super day for the first half of a double weekend. The course was sporting with rolling terrain—the legs responded well for a great win.”
Ellen Powell (Durham Triathlon Club) topped the women’s category in 30-30, ahead of Sarah Wann (EMC Cycling) at 32-08 and Louise Burnie (Blaydon CC). Powell’s performance capped a solid event.
James Corfield (GS Metro) won the open road bike category at 28-08, while Sarah Wann led the female road bike. Age group riders excelled: John Routledge (AG 40-44) at 25-56, Jonathan Bayley (AG 45-49) at 28-59, Ian Taylor (Reifen Racing) lor (AG 50-54) at 29-29, Philip Kennell (AG 55-59) at 26-26, John Davidson (Reifen Racing) (AG 60-64) at 29-51, and Ray Bell (Derwentside CC) (AG 75+) at 36-30.
For women, Louise Burnie (AG 40-44) at 32-23, Sarah Wann (AG 45-49) topped at 32-08, Caroline Golightly (Sunderland Clarion) (AG 50-54) won at 39-10, and Diane Chaney (Derwentside CC) (AG 60-64) led at 37-53.
The M12S course, a 12-mile looped circuit, starts north of Stamfordham, heads northwest on the B6309 to Black Heddon, then onto Wallridge, Ingoe, and Matfen, finishing before Stamfordham Village. Its rolling terrain demands smart pacing.