This year, I have well and truly caught the time trial bug. I acquired my first TT bike at the tail end of last year with the aim of supplementing my sustained power for road racing and it’s been above and beyond all expectations since then. The odd Club TT led to a few Open TTs, which led to numerous tweaks to chase Personal Best times, which led to an aero obsession and all culminated in the British National 25 mile Championship in Keswick, The Lake District.

This year, I have well and truly caught the time trial bug. I acquired my first TT bike at the tail end of last year with the aim of supplementing my sustained power for road racing and it’s been above and beyond all expectations since then. The odd Club TT led to a few Open TTs, which led to numerous tweaks to chase Personal Best times, which led to an aero obsession and all culminated in the British National 25 mile Championship in Keswick, The Lake District.

Although The Lakes are automatically associated with incredible mountain passes, scaling gradients of 25% and upwards, the L2529 course is an out and back along the A66 and the banks of Bassenthwaite Lake – some early good news. What wasn’t so good was the weather forecast…predicted gusts of 35mph and heavy rain meant that it was certainly going to be an interesting 50 mins or so. But to me, that was something to put to the back of my mind. I just needed to ride the best race I could and leave everything out there on the course. This was the National Championship.

John Archibald of Pro Continental Team, Eolo-Kometa, started the race as the favourite. Closely followed by Chris Fennell of the Independent Pedaler. Chris came into Nationals holding an undefeated season. The list of hitters on the start list went on and on and really did put into perspective how grateful I was to be here.

My start time was 14:58 and with a short break in the rain, was able to start in the dry. I’d spent a lot of time working out a pacing plan for the run, which included several recons on a previous holiday to the Lakes in July (sorry Jen…). Unfortunately, some early traffic issues meant the pacing plan went a little awry but it was always going to be full gas from the gun anyway. The L2529 contains a 7km or so drag of 2-3% up towards the turn. An open stretch of road meant this was where the cross-head wind could be felt the most and you could certainly feel it! Rounding the turn, it was then head down back towards the Lake with a lovely tailwind and empty everything for the line. 

I came home in a time of 53:54 placing 55th out of 120 riders. 

To say I was pleased with this would be an understatement. Considering the conditions and how far I had come in 9 months of time trialling, I was beyond happy. It is something that couldn’t have happened without the support of Jenny and John on the day and the GS Mossa team and all our sponsors throughout the season.

Parentini keeping me aero and comfortable with the truly incredible TOKIO skinsuit.

Upshift Nutrition providing the rocket fuel with EDGE.

Squirt Cycling Products for keeping the drivetrain running smooth and waxed for all important watt savings.

Salice’s comfortable and practical eyewear.

Following Miche’s motto of We Race Together.

CALM for their fantastic work on the prevention of suicide within the UK (thecalmzone.net).

It has been a fantastic season of time trialling and this only feels like the beginning. I would absolutely recommend to anyone to push yourself out of your comfort zone and give something new in cycling a go. Time Trialling is 100% a team discipline and the support of my teammates, whether it is pacing advice, training sessions, attending race meets together and spending hours discussing aero equipment, has been invaluable and I’m looking forward to passing that on to others.

Now to get back on the bike after a short break and push towards the next goals for the team. 

Jamie Parkinson