Bowditch times 10-mile record to perfection

ANN BOWDITCH has beaten her local best over 10 miles, setting a new record of 23min. 59sec. This season did not start well for the 'pocket rocket' due to a virus caught at Easter that damaged her aerobic system, which the body is highly dependent on for most cycling disciplines.

'I did a good ride at Easter just before the virus hit and then I lost a lot of power. It has taken me nine weeks to come back to strength, which has been incredibly frustrating, but now I think I have my best ever form.'

A return to form looked on the cards after the inter-insular 25-mile time trial, where Bowditch clocked 1-00-54secs, just shy of her own record.

With the national 50-mile time trial less than a week away, a good result was crucial.

The 10-mile record, which was set in 2003, the year of the Guernsey Island Games, had proven to be a tough one to break.

Conditions on Tuesday were good, with a light south-westerly wind, but with lots of traffic to contend nothing could be taken for granted. 'I felt I had paced the ride well,' Bowditch, 36, said.

'I was a little concerned when I felt a twinge in my knee with two miles to go, but kept my focus on the record.

'This is just the confidence boost I needed. The timing is perfect.'