IN-FORM Julian Ramsbottom (RaceScene Van Tuyl) powered to a second impressive win in two years in Harrogate Nova's 19-mile hilly time trial.

He took one minute 28 seconds out of Joel Wainman (Pete Read Racing) over the tortuous Pennine circuit to record 47min 56sec, looking every inch a winner on his stylish ascent of the fearsome Darley Head climb.

This tough early-season event was made doubly hard by a bitterly cold howling south-westerly wind.

The women's event saw national contender Frances Newstead (GS Strada) clock an incredible 54-23, taking victory from Middridge CRT's Julian Mann (56-06).

Local colours were kept flying by a ten-strong Clifton CC representation, where Rob Osman came out on top with a 55-07 ride. Mark Turrell clocked 57-41, with Acomb's Robbie Almond coming home in 1hr-00-25.

Newcomer Chris Carter, plus veterans Phil Dustan and Ian Lowther recorded 1-04-00, 1-04-46, and 1-07-19 respectively.

Clifton's woman representatives were led home by Wetherby's Helen Scull in 1-06-29, followed by Riccall stalwart Claire Gilmartin with 1-11-19. Veteran Frances Chaloner clocked 1-14-02.

The team prize was carried off by RaceScene Van Tuyl, where Ramsbottom was backed up by Richard Dean and York's Matt Lunn (56-19).

VC York representative Jonathan Grant timed 1-01-14.

The Harrogate Nova event was the first of a brand new Seven-Event Club Time Trial Championship Series for Clifton CC members.

This series breaks new ground in that it encompasses a wide variety of set nominated events, and is decided on a 'points-for-placings' system rather than simply fastest times over traditional standard distances.

The next event in the Series is the VC York ten-mile time trial on the A168/Walshford course, 2pm on April 13.

Updated: 11:25 Saturday, March 16, 2002