DEREK Smetham took a year off from the Bath Cycling Club Hardriders time trial event last year but the Dursley RC ace showed he was in top form this month as he returned to take fourth place in the event.

Smetham completed the course, which included waiting at temporary traffic lights, in less than an hour, clocking 59mins 19secs and was the first Veteran Category Four rider back home.

He was also the fourth fastest overall rider as Rob Pears (Procycling Magazine RT) won the time trial with 57mins 30secs to his name.

Cheltenham and County CCS Dean Robson was second, and Velo Club Walcot’s Tavis Walker was third in 59mins 7secs, just 12 seconds in front of Smetham.

Dursley RC’s Graeme Davis also had a good outing as he finished in 11th place in a time of one hour 3.25mins and was third in the Veteran Category Four standings.