The Catalina Architecture TT Series returned with a Covid-safe bang for the first round of 2021 with 16 riders taking on the 10-mile challenge.

The opening night of the Clwb Beicio Ystwyth event was held on the Cwm Rheidol course. Each rider started at one minute intervals to test their form and fitness over the 10 miles and set their benchmark time for the start of the series.

Starting at the Statkraft Visitor Centre, the riders headed down to the half way point at Lovesgrove roundabout and then returned back to complete the 10 miles.

This is often known as the race of truth because there is no hiding in a pack or drafting, it’s just the rider setting their own time against the elements and the clock.

The opening round didn’t disappoint, with a fast field racing on the night it was no surprise that the first 10 riders all finished under an impressive 25 minutes.

Josh Tarling (FlandersColor Galloo) stormed around the course and took the overall men’s win on the night and in doing so, set a new men’s course record, with his time of 20.35, knocking two seconds off his record from last year.

The second overall men’s place went to Gruff Lewis (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) with a fast ride on the opening night and crossing the line in 21.24. Taking the third podium spot, junior rider Finlay Tarling (WORX Factory Racing) finishing with an impressive 21.50.

In the men’s road bike category, Griff Lewis (Backstedt Bike Performance RC) flew around the course to take the win in 23.09, followed by Steff James (Caffi Gruff Race Team) in 23.56, and in third place with a time of 24.16 and completing the podium was Hefin Evans (Caffi Gruff Race Team).

In the women’s race Emma Palfrey took the win on the night with 27.25, closely followed by Lowri Richards (Backstedt Bike Performance RC) in 27.58 and completing the podium in third place Anita Saycell in 28.11.

Lowri Richards also took the winning spot for the women’s road bike category with her time of 27.58.

To view a full list of upcoming events in the 2021 Catalina Architecture TT Series, go to www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/