They call it the ultimate ‘Race of Truth’. The National 24 Hour Cycling Time Trial Championship was run this year on North Country roads, but, as in the previous two seasons, members of the Thornton Road Club, based at Hythe, competed in strength.
A contingent of four riders plus helpers travelled north for the event, promoted by the Mersey Road Club. Kicking off on the Saturday afternoon near Farndon, where the event headquarters were based at the Sports and Social Club, the Thornton riders took up the marathon challenge of the 24-hour event.
The event was won by Stuart Bernie of Willesden Cycling Club with an amazing distance of 518.372 miles, beating last years Champion Ultan Coyle by almost 5 miles.
Best of the Thornton riders was Michael Pumphrey with a magnificent 375 miles, a club record. Trevor Hall was next best with 343 miles, Russ Mason recorded a magnificent 339 miles and John Laker, the Romney Marsh postman, recorded 340 miles to pip Russ by just a few yards.
The 24 Hour fever started with local clubs in 2011, when the National Championship came to Sussex roads and was promoted by the East Sussex Cycling Association. At that time Rye & District Wheelers were heavily involved and their top lady rider, Bonwen Ewing became Ladies 24 Hour Champion, with a mileage total of 405 miles. Chris Parker of the Hastings Club also rode the event.
The National will be back again next year, with Hastings organiser Esther Carpenter promoting the race. Riders from all three clubs are expected to be represented.
Anyone looking to ride in this energy sapping event should start their training programme shortly. The race is scheduled for the 16/17 June and will be run exclusively over East Sussex roads.
In 2011 Andy Wilkinson’s mileage of 541 miles set a new record for the distance. The four main award winners where Andy Wilkinson pictured right (541 miles) John Warnock (517 miles) David Shepherd (483 miles), and Bronwen Ewing as first Lady (406 miles). It has been decided to hold the event again in 2014. Once again Esther will be organising the event with support from many of the 2011 Team.
The CTT have confirmed that this event will be the RTTC National Championhsip for 2014.
“Rye’s Own” September 2013
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