Bramley, competing in Nopinz Motip Race Team colours for the first time, clocked 45.42 minutes for the 22-mile ‘sporting’ course to take fifth in a stacked field that attracted a number of GB Academy riders. The race was won by Team Bottrill’s Phil Williams.
“I was happy to go one better than my seeded position to finish fifth in 45:42, a handful of seconds behind GB Academy rider Will Tidball (from Exmouth) and a minute or so off the win,” said Bramley afterwards.
“With it being my first race of 2021, I’m confident that my pacing, race-specific fitness and position on the bike can only improve from here on in.”
The Mid-Devon CC Sporting 23 took place on Friday and was won in a record time by Saint Piran star Steve Lampier in 50.06 minutes.
The event, the first in the region following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, attracted a bumper field.
Royal Navy cyclist Ali Stubbs was the top Plymouth finisher in 15th spot in a time of 57.05.
Plymouth Corinthian’s Hannah Rainger was third female and top junior female, while Heather Booth (Yogi Cycling/Plymouth Tri Club) was fourth female.
The race took athletes out to Avonwick and Fork Cross before heading back via the A385.
The host club’s Robert Shaw finished third overall in 23.35 minutes. He was only beaten by High Wycombe’s Rob Walker (AeroLab Ward Wheelz), who won in 23.00, and Cornwall’s Nopinz Motip Race Team rider Tom Nancarrow, who took second in 23.25 minutes.
Fellow Corinthian rider Hannah Rainger was second female and first junior (30.34), just ahead of her team-mate Lisa Crawford (30.44).
Another home rider, Sam Beaton was first junior in 27:59 minutes.
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