Albany Cycle Club open season with first of Elleker circuit time-trial treble; Bascombe and Gardiner triumph

Albany Cycle Club opened its 2026 season with the first of three events at the popular Elleker circuit.

An enthusiastic field lined up for the first time trial of the campaign, departing at one-minute intervals to complete two laps for a total of 18.5km.

The only strategy over that distance is to go as fast as possible without blowing up.

Riders had the option of competing individually or as a team, with the bulk of riders opting for the more companionable option.

In the battle of the Bascombe family, parents Matt and Jill had to cede to son Vince who teamed up with Michael Gardiner to record the winning time of 27min. 12sec.

This equated to an average speed 40.8km/h.

Denmark rider Martin Depiazzi went solo, dragging his time trial bike off the trainer and zipping around the flat Elleker circuit at 39km/h to take second place.

Promising junior Jacob Greenwood teamed with veteran Frank Bate with the pair just missing out on a sub-30min. time on their way to third place at a tick over 36km/h.

Another solo rider Colin Ashton-Graham rode his distinctive vintage bike into fourth place, the solid rear-wheel rumbling its way around the course like a highly mobile, mini thunderstorm.

Liz Cooper, Alex Poulton and Paul Gibson finished the race in fifth, in the middle of the field, averaging 35km/h.

Thanks to our volunteers who did the signage, marshalled the turn and timed the riders.