Charles Rees travelled up to Aylesbury on Sunday to take on the country’s top Under 23 riders in the Espoir category of the British Time Trial Championships.  The event was held over two laps of a 10.4 mile circuit which involved some tight technical turns, very rough road surfaces and a couple of sharp hills.  Things got off to a bad beginnning for Charles as the ride to the start was further than he had realised. He missed his start time, but took the slot of the next non-starter, which was just four minutes after he was supposed to have set off.
Charles rode well and his final finishing time of 53.44 (CTT website seems to have some incorrect times) included the extra four minutes lost due to the late start.  Bradley Wiggins completed the two laps in 40.57 so Charles’ actual ride time of 49.44 was a really impressive effort when compared to one of the best time triallists in the world who has proven this summer to be at the very top his sport. 
Other times of note were Alex Dowsett (100%ME) who won the Espoir title in 42.37, Emma Pooley (Cervelo Test Team) won the Ladies’ title with 46.11 and regular WTTA Hardrider competitior Jeff Jones (Chippenham Wheelers) who won the Masters title with a time of 45.09.

Charles was understandably annoyed with himself after missing his start but his mood has been greatly improved today with the news that he is one of 25 people who have won an online competition through the Garmin-Slipstream website.  He will be spending Friday riding out with the team’s Tour of Britain squad, which includes Bradley Wiggins.

Closer to home, there were some impressive times at the Poole Wheelers 25 mile tt on Sunday.  Chris Mullett continued his recent run of p.bs and course best times with 1.05.57, Vince Hounsome got under the hour with 59.01, Simon Barfoot lowered his p.b at this distance with 57.31 while Andy Hopkins came home in an extremely fast time of 55.49.  (Does anyone know if this is the fastest 25 tt time by a GDW rider?)

 

  

  
 

  

  
     

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