News & Features

New Champions to Emerge at Croft Circuit and Iconic UK Hill Climbs This Weekend

As the time trial season winds down and the hill climb season winds up, excitement builds for a packed weekend of high-stakes racing under Cycling Time Trials. This Sunday's National Closed Circuit Championships at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire promises fresh faces on the podium, while hill climb specialists gear up for grueling ascents across the UK. With no 2024 podium returnees, in-form riders are poised to claim glory in these prestigious events.

National Closed Circuit Championships: Fresh Talent Takes the Podium at Croft

The Cycling Time Trials RTTC National Closed Circuit Championships return to Croft Circuit, a demanding 1.5-mile track in North Yorkshire, where new open and women's champions will be crowned. Spindata's national ranking system highlights a star-studded field ready to etch their names in history.

In the open category, former Olympic rower turned time trial ace Matt Rossiter (George Fox Cycling Solutions) emerges as the pre-race favourite. However, he'll face stiff opposition from British Best All-Rounder champion Thomas Lee (Team Bottrill) and Adam Duggleby (ADDFORM Vive Le Velo). Rossiter's transition from rowing to cycling has been meteoric, blending raw power with tactical nous on the circuit's tight corners and straights.

The women's event sets the stage for a fierce battle, with Alex Clay (Team Bottrill) aiming to upgrade her 2024 fourth-place finish to gold. Hot on her wheels are Laura Davies (FTP ( Fulfil The Potential ) Race Team) and Joanna Brewis (ADDFORM Vive Le Velo), both riding with momentum from recent strong showings. Clay's consistent form makes her a top pick for victory on Croft's technical layout.

Paracycling adds another layer of intensity, boasting a solid entry led by Paralympian Rik Waddon P L Y (Chester RC), B Xavier Disley (AeroCoach), and Ben Hetherington (HUUB WattShop). These athletes, with their adaptive prowess, promise inspiring performances on the closed circuit.

Hill Climb Season Peaks: Mouth-Watering Clashes on The Rake, Jackson Bridge, and Beyond

The Cycling Time Trials hill climb calendar surges toward the National Championships later this month, with elite fields tackling brutal gradients this weekend. Three-time winner Kieran Wynne-Cattanach (Team Lifting Gear Products) dominates the previews, but rivals are hungry to dethrone him.

On Sunday at The Rake (Lancashire Road Club, 1408 yards), Wynne-Cattanach is the clear favorite. Reigning national champion Harry MacFarlane (Rule 28 Outliers), Gabe Dellar (Primera-Teamjobs), Andy Nichols (Team Lifting Gear Products), and Ross Howcroft-Jones (Team Lifting Gear Products) will push him to the limit on this short, savage ascent. In the women's race, Rachel Galler (FTP ( Fulfil The Potential ) Race Team) enters as pre-race top pick after her Monsal Head triumph last weekend. Watch for Hannah Clough (University of Nottingham C C) and Gemma Mitchell (FTP ( Fulfil The Potential ) Race Team) to challenge on the steep pitches.

Saturday's Jackson Bridge (Huddersfield Star Wheelers, 1602 yards) doubles down on the drama, with Wynne-Cattanach, Dellar, and MacFarlane all entered. Fresh off his Welsh Championship win, Dan Evans (ASSOS UK Race Team) joins as favorite, alongside youth sensation Ezra Bateman (Clifton CC York). The women's field favours Gemma Mitchell, but Bronwen Jenkinson (Clwb Beicio Egni Eryri) and Rebecca Richardson (Team Lifting Gear Products) could spring surprises on the exposed climb.

Evans' weekend frenzy continues with a Saturday morning start at Mam Nick (Rutland CC, near Edale), where he's tipped for victory. MacFarlane and Kirk Vickers (Dave Scott coaching) provide the main threats on this classic Peak District test.

Don't miss Evans' triple-threat bid at Snake Pass (Glossop Kinder Velo, 3.2 miles), a longer endurance slog where Andy Cunningham (Ilkley CC) lurks as a dark horse. The women's entry swells to 24 strong, led by Bethany Brooksbank (Wolfox CAMS Le Col RT) in a wide-open battle.

Sunday's Bec CC Climb pits Matthew Ferguson (Redhill CC) against Ryan Oldam (Elevate RT) for open honours, with Cat MacIntosh (Knights London) and Ellen Reynolds (Elevate RT) favoured in the women's category.

Additional Sunday showdowns include:

• Catford CC Climb in Kent, with Ferguson again in contention.

• Peak Hill (Sid Valley CC, Devon), a coastal grinder near Brookhouse.

• Bib Lane (Tickhill Velo Club, 528 yards, South Yorkshire).

• Quarrington Hill (Houghton CC, 1056 yards, County Durham).

Why This Weekend Defines Cycling Time Trials' Grit

From Croft's high-speed laps to the raw power demands of hill climbs like The Rake and Jackson Bridge, this line-up showcases the depth of UK talent. As riders chase national titles and rankings points under Cycling Time Trials, expect wind-battered sprints, tactical masterclasses, and personal bests that propel them toward the season's grand finales.