INVERCLYDE Velo riders have had a busy couple of weeks in both club and open competitions.

Six club members raced at Millport on Sunday 3 June. In the 10-mile time trial, Gerry McGarrity continued his strong form with third place with a 21:40. George McCarter and Davie Irvine picked up age-group wins and Scott Newman and Robert Stevenson completed the line up. Alan Holms took part in a high-paced road race in the afternoon and was unlucky not to finish amongst the leading group.

Tuesday 5 June saw nine riders take part in week 11 of the Alex Hunter Summer Time Trial League which resulted in another win for Scott Newman. Full result: Scott Newman 29.23; Alan Holms 30.39; George McCarter 30.55; Tom May 31.57; Robert Stevenson 33.55; Robert McGonigal 34.06; John McPaul 34.27; Mark Smith 35.15; Kevan McCartney 35.58.

The following evening, Gerry McGarrity and Matt Hennon were in action on the A77 at the Willie Rafferty Memorial 10-mile time trial. Gerry finished a very creditable fourth in 22:02 beating some well-known names and Matt was 12th in 22:56. The event was won by Silas Goldsworthy, Sandy Wallace CC, with a time of 20:57.

The Scottish National 50-mile time trial championships were held on Sunday 10 June. A cold, wet and windy Fife course was a stern test for all the riders with Gerry McGarrity and Scott Newman representing the club. This was Gerry's first 50-mile event and he finished 12th with a time of 1:56:37, a credit to all his dedicated winter training. Scott also rode well in the challenging conditions to finish 21st in 2:02:41. This year's Champion was Iain Grant of Dooleys RT with a tremendous time of 1:49:00.

Much better weather this week brought 14 riders out for the 12th week of the club's Summer League which saw another win for Matt Hennon in 29:35, just ahead of Scott Newman.

Niall Blackburn recorded a personal best and we welcomed Andrew White who rode very strongly for his first time on the course.

Full result: Matt Hennon 29.35; Scott Newman 29.46; Alan Holms 30.23; Tom May 31.35; George McCarter 31.37; John McPaul 32.53; Robert McCready 32.56; Patricia Baird 33.01; Andrew White 33.33 (First Time); Robert Stevenson 33.39; John Duffy 33.41; Kevan McCartney 33.54; Niall Blackburn 33.57( PB); Alex Henderson 37.04.

The first of Inverclyde Velo's open races for this season was held on the Westferry course on Wednesday 13 June.

With most club members marshalling or helping out in other areas, only Matt Hennon competed for the club in this popular 10-mile time trial.

The warm, calm conditions resulted in some very fast times and a new Scottish team record of 61 minutes seven seconds was set by three remarkable veteran riders from Dooleys RT, Iain Grant, David Gibson and Tam Gordon.

Iain won the event in a time of 19:50 and Val Martin, Dooleys RT was the first lady home in 24:46.

Inverclyde Velo meets at 6.45pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout the summer.

Tuesday night is the 13-mile time trial and the start is just past McInroy's Point. Thursday night is road race training, meeting at the far end of the old Gantock Hotel site.

Male and female riders of all abilities are welcome to come along and join in.

For more information about club activities including training, weekend runs and open racing, visit the forum at www.inverclydevelo.co.uk