'Pocket rocket' earns a place on the podium

ANN BOWDITCH earned a well-deserved podium position in the third round of the Rudy Project National Time-Trial Series. The pocket rocket used all her bike-handling skills on a wet and technical course that punished riders who did not respect it.

The race took place on a hilly 13 miles just outside Doncaster.

The roads were quiet and the surface was good, with two major climbs, one of two miles at the halfway point and another

shorter but much steeper ascent near the finish.

Just 10 minutes before Bowditch was due to start, the heavens opened, but rather than dampen her spirits, it hardened the resolve of the tough competitor.

The slippery surface challenged many riders, with more than one getting familiar with the tarmac, but this played into the hands of the Sarnian.

Bowditch used her considerable bike-handling skills, honed through many years competing up to national level on her mountain bike, to record another best-ever national time-trial performance.

However, her ride was not without drama when, at the eight-mile point, Bowditch came more quickly than expected into a turn, hit a pothole in the road and momentarily lost control of the rear wheel.

'Both marshals and I thought it was curtains for me, but somehow I held the bike up and saved the situation,' said Bowditch.

The local rider admitted that she was enjoying the series of national races.

'I don't think I've ever enjoyed time trialling so much,' she said.

'Each time I go to an event, I don't know what to expect. I have to quickly adjust to the course and try and remember what's coming up next.

'It's a great test of ability, both physically and mentally, and, best of all, it's a lot of

fun.'

Bowditch finished 13 seconds behind her Science in Sport teammate Helen Carter.