With a stiff cold wind blowing in from the east, but the last of the evening sun still lighting the course, it was a night for records to be broken in Pine Forest, and Liam Rowsome stepped up to the challenge magnificently.

Sign-on was closed promptly, catching some riders out, but those that were punctual lined up in Glencullen to be sent barrelling down the road at thirty second intervals. The course has been used for the last few years as the Wheelworx-Orwell Women's Criterium League opener, and the ladies will be returning next Tuesday night.

Obviously well recovered from his travails in Gorey and the crash in Clonard, Liam Rowsome claimed the top spot for the night with a blistering time of 8'50", smashing both the Orwell and overall course records. These had been held by Anne Dalton (9'59") and Mel Späth (9'20").

Rowsome has proved himself a consistently outstanding tester, and he will be the man to beat in the TT champs later in the league.

Rowsome on his way to winning Round 1 (photo courtesy of SwimCycleRun.com)

Marking a welcome return to form, second placed was Tom Blennerhassett, just three seconds behind Rowsome with 8'53". Blennerhassett has finally resumed racing after being blighted with injury, and if this is how he's performing in the early season, we can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds!

Top of the Scratch riders was Graham Hurley taking third place in 9'00" flat, with fourth place a tie between Diarmuid Collins and Peter Gerrard in 9'04". Rounding out the top six was Ed O'Mahoney with 9'06".

Three women were out to recce the parcours ahead of Tuesday night, with Monica Marconi setting a sparkling time of 10'07". With Späth competing abroad, Marconi could be a contender next week, though she'll have fierce competition from both Lucy Soden and Isobel Cogan. The pair weren't far behind with times of 10'19" and 10'23", an encouraging indication of form early in the season.

The league spreadsheet will be updated tomorrow, full results available in the forum. Riders are reminded to arrive on time for sign-on for all league races, exceptions will not be made.

Orwell League R1: Pine Forest TT

1 Liam Rowsome (SS) 8.50
2 Tom Blennerhassett (SS) 8.53
3 Graham Hurley (S) 9.00
4- Diarmuid Collins (S) 9.04
4- Peter Gerrard (SS) 9.04
6 Ed O'Mahoney (SS) 9.06

Women

1 Monica Marconi (SL) 10.07
2 Lucy Soden (L) 10.19
3 Isabel Cogan (L) 10.23