Rodgers runs Mel close in first cycling trial of season

ADRIAN RODGERS was only two seconds slower than scratch rider Mel Roberton when the Long Furlong Circuit Time Trial began Worthing Excelsior Cycling Club's new season on Sunday.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Feb 2008, 11:13 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:50 BST

Rodgers' 43min 01sec, for second place over the two circuits, gave seasoned 60-year-old winner Mel Roberton food for thought after his 42-59 edged the top honour.

Mark Bernhardt hauled himself into fourth place at 45-16 and his 5-30 figure gave him second place in the handicap result - 44sec behind new member from Steyning AC, triathlete Joan Lennon's 39.02 off her 19min handicap, the biggest in the field.

She has joined to improve her cycling, which is her weakest triathlon discipline.

Only one guest entry, Neale Maloney of the local Dr Love Triathlon Club, would have made the Excelsior top 10 times - actually at No 10 - with his 49-27.

The 16.8-mile course went south down Long Furlong (the A280), east along the A27 from the Clapham and Patching turnoff, then went north up the A24 from Offington Corner to Findon roundabout.