SIXTEEN riders competed in Velo Club Sevale’s season-opening 5.5-mile time trial on the Hanley Swan course.

Cold and overcast weather, coupled with early-season legs, made it a tough evening for all.

Guest rider from Worcester St John’s, Jason Milner, secured first position with a time of 12 minutes 33 seconds.

VC Sevale’s William Davies recorded 12.41 for second place with fellow club member Mike Amery finishing three seconds slower for third spot.

With the first three places separated by only 11 seconds, it should prove to be a competitive season at the Malvern club.

The next VC Sevale time trial is on the Chance Lane 10-mile course next Thursday.

The first rider will set off at 7pm with signing-on from 6.30pm.

RESULTS 1 Milner 12.33, 2 Davies 12.41, 3 Mike Amery 12.44, 4 Steve Butler 13.32, 5 Julian Bouchet 14.04, 6 Mark Webb 14.19, 7 Tony Knight 14.36, 8 Mike Collins 14.51, 9 Paul Martin 14.56, 10 Steve Price 15.07, 11 Andrew Heath 15.10, 12 Tony Cook 15.25, 13 Mike Peakman 15.34, 14 Dave Manning 15.43, 15 David Abbatiello 16.02.