IN COLD but calm conditions Lee Merrien (pictured) cruised to a time nearly four minutes under the previous course record to open the road race calendar with a superb victory in the GIAAC 10-mile road championship, held over the Imperial loop.

Merrien’s all-comers’ record of 50min. 41sec. was one of many fine performances.

Second-placed Steve Dawes ran one of his best ever races to also post one of the fastest times in living memory with 52-44 and in sixth place overall Louise Perrio became the first local woman under the hour with 59-45.

Already holder of the island record with a 2008 clocking of 48-49 in Portsmouth, Sunday’s event was part of Merrien’s Marathon preparations and he was clearly pleased with his run.

‘It felt a bit tougher over the last few miles, but I’m pleased with that, I think in full race conditions I’d be able to run a PB,’ he said.

With the opening mile featuring a climb from The Imperial Hotel up to Torteval Church the start was likely to be steady, but Merrien’s 5-30 opening mile immediately split the field.

Dawes soon found himself a clear second.

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