News & Features
The 2026 RTTC National Circuit Championships saw a spectacular day of racing on the renowned E83/18 course in Essex. Known to local riders as “The Vipers,” the 18-mile circuit provided a stern test of technical skill and stamina. However, the weather offered a rare reprieve; riders were greeted by a bright and sunny day with virtually no wind—perfect conditions that allowed for fast times across all disciplines.
Road Bike Categories: Purity and Power
The Road Bike categories were included for the first time this year, with some outstanding performances. In the Open Road Bike event, veteran powerhouse Colin Ward (Primo RT) demonstrated his mastery of the circuit, clocking a superb 0:40:31 to take the national title. He was followed closely by Nicholas Trbovic (Elysium Kalas Race Team), who secured second with a 0:40:53, while Charlie Crawt (Primo RT) ensured a double podium for his club, taking third in 0:41:35.
In the Female Road Bike category, Lucy Harris (Cowley Road Condors CC) delivered a dominant performance. Her time of 0:45:16 saw her finish significantly ahead of the field to claim the gold. The battle for the remaining medals was hard-fought, with Claire Hall (Parenesis - TotalVelo Cycling) taking silver in 0:50:32 and Lisa Hurrell (Maldon & District CC) earning bronze with a 0:52:10.
Time Trial Categories: Record-Breaking Pace
The Time Trial specialists also made the most of the still air. Matt Rossiter (George Fox Cycling Solutions) was the man of the match in the Open TT, producing a blistering 0:35:58 to defend his status as one of the country's best. Will Lowden (Cambridge University CC) took a well-earned second place in 0:37:14.
The podium for the Open category saw a notable distinction: while junior sensation Leon Atkins (Camsmajaco) was the third fastest rider overall on the day with an incredible 0:37:29, his victory in the Junior National category meant the third spot on the senior championship podium went to James Jenkins (Hart Performance Coaching), who finished in 0:38:04.
In the Female TT category, Laura Davies (Team Bottrill Nopinz) lived up to her billing as favorite, stopping the clock at 0:43:16 to take the victory. She was joined on the podium by Francesca Ryde (Leighton Buzzard Triathlon Club), who took second (0:44:19), and Lauren Creamer (Velo Fixers) in third (0:44:59).
Junior and Para-Cycling Highlights
Leon Atkins’ performance was the talk of the event, with his time placing him firmly among the elite seniors and securing him the Open Junior national jersey. Teammate Elouis Ward took the honours in the Female Junior category. With the Road Bike category becoming more popular it was great to see great promise from Elysian Rose in the Female Junior Road Bike category, unphased by a last minute mechanical she crossed the line with a time of 0:59:01 and Adam Loake put in a strong performance to win the Junior Open Road Bike in a time of 0:43:37.
In the Open Hand Cycle category, Geoff Pickin (PDQ Cycle Coaching) showed immense grit to navigate the undulating circuit in 1:26:19.
Summary
Promoted by Shaftesbury CC, the event was a triumph of organisation and athletic performance. With the sun shining and the flags hanging still, the 2026 Circuit Championships will be remembered as a day when the conditions finally matched the high caliber of the competition on "The Vipers."