Linda Dewhurst retains World title !

Inspirational World Champion Linda Dewhurst successfully defended her UCI Gran Fondo title in style last week, winning the 65-69 age group time trial at the 2025 event in Australia.
Gloucestershire-based Dewhurst covered the 22.7-kilometre out and back coastal course in 39-23 to win by just over a minute. And she almost added the road race title to it, leading into the final few miles before being caught and settling for second.
She finished 33rd out of all the 105 women competing in the time trial, but was comfortably quickest in her age group. She reached the turn in 19-54, 57 seconds ahead of the USA’s Patricia Caldeira, and extended her advantage to 1-04 by the time she reached the finish line.
“This was the most challenging time trial course I’ve ever ridden,” she said afterwards.
“22.7km out-and-back along the coast road, it had two long climbs of 2.5-3km, plus a good few other ramps and then steep tortuous descents with hairpin bends and off camber curves!
“On top of this there was a very strong blustery wind blowing off the ocean just to add to the difficulty. I was so pleased with how it went, it was very difficult to pace but I’m delighted to retain the title.
“I didn’t enjoy the 180 degree turnaround at half way! But thankfully it remained dry. It was a long way to come but worth it!”
Other VTTA members had also made the long journey to compete in Australia.
Alexa Forbes finished seventh in the 60-64 age group time trial, while Judy Brown was 12th in the 60-64 women’s event. Tom Scorer and David Lines rode the men’s 45-49 time trial and placed eighth and 23rd respectively.
Jeff Roberts was sixth in the men’s 60-64 time trial, while Roger Taylor was 15th in the men’s 65-69 time trial.
* Photos of Linda Dewhurst are by Stephanie Sutton.

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