Successful Lloyds National Road Championships conclude in Ceredigion
The Lloyds National Road Championship in Ceredigion, Wales came to a close on Sunday (29) after three days of entertaining racing across the Time-Trial, Circuit and Road Race events.
The Championships kicked off in Aberaeron on Thursday (26) with the crowds out in force as four national time-trial champions were crowned across the day. Zoe Backstedt brought Welsh joy on the opening morning as she won the elite women’s event, bringing the red, blue and white jersey back to Wales, finishing ahead of Anna Henderson and Pfeiffer Georgi.
Ethan Hayter earned his third elite men’s national time trial crown, with U23 success for Millie Couzens and Callum Thornley.
Friday’s evening circuit championships saw exhilarating racing around Aberystwyth town centre as Kate Richardson and Cameron Mason came out on top after superb displays to earn the national champions jersey for the first time.
On the final day, Aberystwyth once again starred with the road races taking place across the day with Millie Couzens and Samuel Watson taking the elite crowns on the seafront.
Jonathan Day, British Cycling Events Managing Director, reflected on the Championships saying: “It has been a phenomenal Lloyds National Road Championships with three days of incredible racing in Ceredigion. Aberaeron and Aberystwyth have been great hosts of this prestigious event, laying on fantastic courses for our riders which has led to some entertaining races over the last few days.
“More than anything, events like this really show the legacy and impact of hosting Championships in these areas. We have seen lots of young people out on the courses cheering on the riders over the last few days, seeing the country’s best riders up close. The support has been brilliant, so we would like to extend out thanks to the Welsh Government, Ceredigion Council, and all our stakeholders who assisted in successfully delivering the Championships.”
The Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for Sport, Jack Sargeant, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome the Lloyds National Road Championships to Wales last weekend. Congratulations to Ceredigion on hosting such a prestigious event so well. The Welsh success in the elite women's time trial with Zoe Backstedt's magnificent victory, combined with the participation of over 200 youngsters in associated community events, will have helped inspire a new audience to enjoy cycling.
“This championship has delivered an exciting opportunity to see the next generation of British and Welsh talent in action, as we continue in our preparations to host a stage of the Tour de France in 2027. Events like this showcase Wales as a world-class destination for cycling and demonstrate the positive impact that sport can have on our communities."
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council: “It was a pleasure to host the British Cycling Championships in Ceredigion, and to place our county on the big stage as a special location to host prestigious first class events like these.
“Professional cyclists came from near and far to brave the roads of Ceredigion which offered the perfect balance between being challenging but also extremely enjoyable. It was also great to see so many people visiting our county enjoying all the things our local businesses have to offer. Congratulations to everyone who was part of the event.”