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After a breakout season on the bike in 2024, Leon Atkins is targeting more records on the road in 2025.
Having only turned 16 in September, 258 Protégé rider Atkins enjoyed a stunning campaign with four senior wins from six time trials to add to the five triumphs he racked up since debuting in senior riding at the North Road CC Hardriders 25-mile competition in February 2023.
Having set a 17-minute 10-mile time and recorded the second-fastest ever 15-mile at Cambridge CC’s event in April, the milestones have continued to tumble for the Hertfordshire rider with more to come.
“I did develop quite a lot this year and really benefitted from racing against seniors,” said Atkins. “The 17-minute ten-mile was a big goal for me and I’m delighted I got it, it gives me so much motivation.
“Next up, I am looking to further improve that 10-mile time to 17:30 and I am looking to do a quick 25 as I have never done a quick 25-mile time trial so far.
“I have quite a big road season planned, with the aim of moving towards European events gradually.
“I am not really sure why I enjoy it so much but the motivation is good, winning is a nice feeling and the work you put in makes it quite rewarding.”
His other wins in 2024 include the Hemel Hempstead CC 16-mile time trial on the F11/22 in March, then the Hemel Hempstead CC 10-mile in June, before closing out the year with a Berkhamsted 10-mile victory on the F12B/10 in September.
Atkins’ love for the sport goes back to his first experience aged 11 at Thruxton and has stayed with him since.
He said: “I quite like how it’s a combination of not just power but mechanical and aero and all these aspects that mean you have to really think about every part.”
While Atkins has earned plaudits for his road riding, in 2024 he also picked up the 2km individual pursuit youth national championship as he shows signs of developing into a true all-rounder.
However, tougher challenges lie ahead – especially with GCSE exams in 2025.
“It is not easy to balance schoolwork and the bike,” he said. “But it can be done although GCSEs will impact cycling a bit.
“Being a first-year junior will be harder, but I am feeling good about the challenge as I think it will suit me more as the races will be harder and bring out more in me.”
The teenager credits his father for his love for the sport, while a history of mountain biking has given him a strong set of skills to thrive on the road.
“I come from more of a mountain bike background so time trailing does suit me quite well as it is a hard effort and the power input is similar,” he added.
“I was always confident I could do well but I didn’t quite expect these 10 mile times.
“I have come on from it and I am developing all the time.”
* All features and reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This feature by James Ayles.