KENILWORTH’s Matt Clinton is determined to learn from his recent experience after narrowly missing out on a medal at the CTT 25-mile Time Trial Championships on Sunday.
Norfolk was the host for this year’s event which saw 150 riders take on the challenging course on the A11 between Thetford and Norwich and a strong tailwind on the outward leg ensured it would be a difficult ending for participants.
Clinton headed into Sunday’s race in good form having finished fourth in the National 50-mile Championships back in June, and the Mike Vaughan Cycles rider had high hopes perhaps even going one better than his second place finish two years ago.
Speeds on the outward leg were some of the fastest riders had ever seen, with Clinton averaging over 36mph for a ten-mile stretch but that was a different story as riders turned towards the finish, with wind buffeting their every move.
Dry air and heat off the road would sap power with high temperatures also taking its toll but there were quick times and Clinton provisionally held the lead after crossing the finish line in 47.56.
His lead at the top was to be short-lived however as he was soon knocked into fourth place by finishing nine second behind Kieron Davies in third.
Clinton finished over a minute behind winner (Ryan Perry 46.31), while Richard Bussell’s time of 46.34 was enough to take second spot.
“I’m pleased with my form at present, but that was pure suffering,” said Clinton.
“I would have done anything for a mouthful of water in the last ten-miles, but I decided not to take a bottle with me.
“It was amazingly quick on the outward leg. I was told by an earlier rider it was fairly sheltered on the return, but that was such hard work.
“I’m slightly disappointed to be so close to a medal, but I know what I did wrong and I’ll just put this down to experience.”
Next up for Clinton is the ten-mile Championships held near Portsmouth, where the Kenilworth riders’ hill climbing pedigree will hopefully see him enter the medals once again.
