It was was you were in the Sotonia CC 25 held on the P128 course west of Southampton, with Poole based James Gilfillan (Velo Refined) claiming his second win in the event to follow up his 2012 success.

Despite a poor weather forecast earlier in the week, the day dawn overcast but dry with only a slight westerly breeze and with the sun coming our once the event had started it was a pleasant Spring day for the small but quality field. The course uses a circuit which is covered there times taking in a variety of both single and dual carriage way roads, which were fairly quiet on this Saturday morning. Despite the good weather, some riders described the conditions as ‘sticky’ with no real help in any direction.

Gilfillan’s winning time was a little slower than last yearâ??s 53.52, coming home in 54.25 this time. Second placed Andy Bryson (Peter Hansford Racing Team) enjoyed better luck than 2012 when he had mechanical trouble and this time finished in an impressive 55.16, with Simon Berogna (Velo Club St Raphael) making up the top three in 56.27.

First veteran was a previous winner and regular supporter of the event, Ray Hughes (Clarence Wheelers CC) who this time finished fourth in 56.54, whilst the first lady home was the promoting club’s Jenny Hill who improved over two and half minutes to record 1.06.29.

However, possibly the biggest star of the day was Sotonia CCs Phil Connell who got up especially early to go out and sign the course (no small undertaking!) and still had enough energy to take 1.24 off his personal best, posting a fine 1.02.42. What a fine example to all!