Perfect conditions and a top field of Olympic riders, ensured an exciting and enjoyable day out for the many spectators who lined the H10/3A course near Hungerford to watch the National Championships over the Bank Holiday weekend. Time trials are usually quiet affairs with minimal fuss, however this was not the case for this race. Attracting the strongest and largest field ever of Junior’s, Women and Men riders from all over the country, the feeling of anticipation was overwhelming.

The Women’s race was hotly contested by some of the nation’s finest riders, some who represented GB at the 2008 Olympics. It was won by No 1 seeded Julia Shaw (Utag Yamaha) with a time of 21.49 almost a minute ahead of the next rider Lynn Hamel (Team NCA) with 22.39 and in third place, Sarah Storey (VC St Raphael) with 22.50. The Men’s race took place in the afternoon when conditions were even better. Not a whisker of a breeze got in the way as the men thundered down the B4000 getting progressively faster as the day wore on. No surprises for the winner, Michael Hutchinson (In Gear QuickVit RT) with a phenomenal time of 19.34, half a minute ahead of Andrew Tennant (Halfords Bikehut) with 20.04 and Stuart Dangerfield (Shorter Rochford/Exclusive Ranges RT) with 20.14.

Stratford CC sent their own team down and managed to produce some fairly reasonable results. James Wall, recovering from an accident on his bike with extensive bruising and cracked ribs, finished the course in 21.19, overall 25th in a field of 160 men. Peter Ward, despite being fraught with technical issues, rode a 23. 22 and Miranda Harris managed to finish third in her age group with 29.18.

A great day out and an ideal opportunity to learn how to run a National event – next year the race will be held on the local K33 course and SCC will be play host to the top riders in the country.