ALEX Hunter time trial league once again took to the Cloch Road for its 25th year in succession.

This popular event has attracted many cyclists over the years to compete in the 13-mile course which takes the riders from Castle Levan, Gourock to IBM , onto Inverkip Power Station (slip road) and back to Castle Levan.

When recently interviewed about the upcoming season, Inverclyde Velo’s coach Alex Hunter said: “2014 will be a very exciting year for the Velo and I hope that the summer league will produce another Scottish time trial champion.” In the past Alex has coached two previous 10-mile champions, Douglas Nicholson and Hugh Jamieson, who were both introduced to time trialling and coached by Alex.

Time trialling requires cyclists to complete a measured course in the fastest time to win the event, racing only against the clock not each other. Riders depart at one minute intervals and an accurate time is returned due to Alex’s organisational skills and experience.

Tuesday night saw 10 riders compete in the first race of Alex’s summer league, which will be held over 20 consecutive Tuesdays.

Points are awarded to the riders and the one with the most points after 20 races wins the coveted Alex Hunter summer league trophy.

Inverclyde Velo rider Derek Robinson was placed first overall with a time of 31.59 seconds. The hard work he put in over the winter has paid dividends. Tuesday also attracted three first-time riders to the course, a ride of note was Largs man and New Velo rider Paul McGonigal, who has trained with the Velo, through the winter and returned a respectable time of 34.24 seconds on a standard road bike.

Clearly a rider for the future.

Other new riders were Grant Fowley and Stephen Cosgrove who both acquitted themselves very well and both were made very welcome by Alex and the other riders.

Times as follows: Derek Robinson 31:59, George McCarter 32:48, Robert McCready 33:21, Douglas Nicholson 33:26, Paul McGonigal 34:24 (first time on course and personal best), Stuart Carmichael 35:02, Robert Mcgonigal 35:56, Robert Stevenson 37:40, Grant Fowley 39:01 (First time on course and personal best), Steven Cosgrove 45:00 (first time on course and personal best).

Anyone wishing to participate should attend and make yourself known to Alex Hunter any time after 6pm at Castle Levan, Gourock, on a Tuesday.

Riders should have a roadworthy machine and a cycling helmet, a rear light would be advantageous but is not compulsory. All are welcome.