HE had only been back on Australian soil for a week after competing at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Chicago, but that didn’t stop Mark Windsor from taking out the inaugural Bathurst Cycling Club Individual Time Trial Long Course men’s title on Saturday.

Windsor’s winning time of 37 minutes and 59 seconds on the 26 kilometre course saw him finish well clear of Craig Hutton, who drifted off the pace late to finish in 39:01. Brad Roughley was third in 39:36.

Hutton was 23 seconds off the pace through the first split at the 11 kilometre mark, but time trials are all about pacing yourself. Windsor proved that with a great ride through the back half of the course.

Windsor relished the opportunity to compete over the longer course, the same used for the regional championships, as it plays to his strengths.

“It’s nice for myself to get back into rhythm. I’ve been in a bit of a rough spot since I’ve been over at Chicago,” he said.

“The long course suits me because I need something with a bit of hill in it. That’s where I’m able to get away. The short course, however, is really flat and fast, so I have to battle for power there.

“Coming off a triathlon base, with swimming and running, that saps power, so it leads me to being more endurance based. The longer course works well for that.” 

Knowing he had quality riders to hold off, Windsor had to find his rhythm quickly to be claim the inaugural long course title.

“Craig’s getting ready to go down for the Tour of Tasmania and he’s got good form going into that. I think I was bit lucky to get him on a flat day. It’s always going to be a tough race against him,” Windsor said.

“Brad’s also a very good time trialler and has won the Bathurst time trial title a couple of times. It’s nice to be able to win ahead of those two guys.”

Windsor’s time was actually the second fastest of the day behind Orange rider Charlie Gascoyne, who was nine seconds quicker on the line with a 37:50.

Being a non-Bathurst rider made Gascoyne ineligible for the title, but Windsor said any piece of training the Orange cyclist could get in his pet event is beneficial.

“Charlie’s already qualified for the World Masters next year. His total focus won’t be on the road race but the time trial. It’s very much his event. He’s getting himself pumped up for that,” Windsor said.

“Charlie battles a little more on the hills, that’s more my part, but then he’s stronger over the second half where it’s downhill and flat.

“I wasn’t really racing Charlie. I was more focused on getting home ahead of Craig and Brad.”

Gascoyne was sitting behind Windsor at the first split, but had enough left in reserve to come home faster than the Bathurst rider.

Glen Partridge (42:41) was the B grade winner, in fifth overall, while Peter Wilson (45:55) took out C grade.