We use cookies on this website to personalize your experience and track site usage. To learn more, please visit our cookies policy.
The RTTC National 24-Hour Championship once again showcased the very best of endurance cycling, with riders from across the country descending on Prees Heath for one of the sport's most iconic events.
The annual championship is unlike any other in the CTT calendar. Beginning on Saturday afternoon and continuing through the night before finishing on Sunday, competitors face changing light, fluctuating temperatures and the mental challenge of riding almost continuously for a full day. Around the headquarters at Prees Heath, supporters, helpers and volunteers created the traditional carnival atmosphere that has become synonymous with the National 24, cheering riders on lap after lap as the miles steadily accumulated.
Conditions proved favourable for fast riding. Following the hot weather experienced across much of the summer, competitors were greeted by cooler temperatures that made for comfortable racing throughout most of the event. A few showers on Sunday morning dampened the roads but caused few problems as riders completed the closing stages of their epic challenge.
In the Open Championship, Paul Watts (George Fox Cycling Solutions) delivered a superb ride to claim the RTTC National title. Covering an outstanding 532.68 miles, Watts was the only solo rider to exceed the coveted 530-mile mark and finished more than 22 miles clear of his nearest rival.
Second place went to Greg Elwell (VTTA Yorkshire), whose excellent ride of 509.84 miles also saw him break the 500-mile barrier, while Adam Taylor (Wigan Whs CC) secured the bronze medal with 496.29 miles, narrowly missing out on joining the exclusive 500-mile club.
The Women's National Championship was won by Mandy Lane, whose determined ride of 373.10 miles earned her her first national jersey. Alex Roberts claimed the silver medal after completing 234.60 miles, demonstrating the resilience and determination required simply to conquer one of cycling's toughest endurance disciplines.
One of the standout performances of the weekend came outside the solo championship. Riding together on a mixed tandem, Doug Hart and Chris Murray covered a remarkable 483.52 miles to establish a new National Mixed Tandem 24-Hour Record. Their achievement was one of the highlights of the weekend and underlined the exceptional standard of performances on display.
As always, the National 24 was about far more than medals and records. Every rider who reached the finish had overcome fatigue, changing conditions and the relentless physical and mental demands that only a 24-hour time trial can provide. Success in this event is measured not only in miles but in determination, resilience and teamwork.
Behind every ride stood an army of supporters, helpers, marshals, timekeepers and organisers who worked around the clock to ensure the championship ran safely and smoothly. Their commitment is what makes the National 24 one of the most unique and celebrated events in British cycling.
Cycling Time Trials congratulates all the champions, medallists, record breakers and finishers, and extends its thanks to the organising team, officials and volunteers who delivered another memorable edition of this historic championship.
Photos of the event available at the URL below courtesy of Cheshire Cyclingsnaps
🥇 Paul Watts (George Fox Cycling Solutions) – 532.68 miles
🥈 Greg Elwell (VTTA Yorkshire) – 509.84 miles
🥉 Adam Taylor (Wigan Whs CC) – 496.29 miles
🥇 Mandy Lane – 373.10 miles
🥈 Alex Roberts – 234.60 miles
Doug Hart & Chris Murray – 483.52 miles, setting a new National Mixed Tandem 24-Hour Record.