Two-time national under-23 champion Ian Bibby (Motorpoint-Marshalls Pasta) proved the strongest in an exciting senior men’s race, according to British Cycling. The championships were rescheduled after the original event in early January had to be cancelled due to heavy snow.

After two laps a group of six detached itself from the front of the field, consisting of Bibby, Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles), Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing), 2009 champion Jody Crawforth (Arctic – Premier), Daniel Booth (Cult Racing) and Nick Craig (Team Scott UK). Continued attacks from Bibby in the race’s mid section distanced Craig and Booth, while Field and Oldham were briefly gapped but managed to rejoin.

In the final lap, more accelerations from Bibby dropped Field and Oldham once more, with Crawforth just able to hold him at a few lengths. In the finishing straight Crawford did his best to overhaul him, but Bibby managed to hold him off. Oldham escaped Field to win the race for bronze.

Senior Men Result
1 Ian Bibby Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta RT 1h 0m 01s
2 Jody Crawforth Arctic – Premier RT @ 0:02
3 Paul Oldham Hope Factory Racing @ 0:09
4 Ian Field Hargroves Cycles/Trant/Next/Scott/GSI @ 0:25
5 Nick Craig Team Scott UK @ 0:30
6 Daniel Booth Cult Racing @ 1:08
7 Lee Williams Team Wiggle @ 1:20
8 William Bjergfelt Sportbeans/Wilier @ 1:20
9 Stuart Bowers Hargroves Cycles/Trant/Next/Scott/GSI @ 1:53
10 Jamie Newall VC Meudon @ 2:40

Wyman equals record

Helen Wyman (Kona-FSA) put last week’s World championship disappointment behind her and by powering away from the only two riders capable of mounting any challenge. Gabby Day (Cyclefit) suffered an unlucky blowout shortly after the race began and had to chase for the rest of the race. Meanwhile, Wyman escaped with Nikki Harris (AVB Cycling Team) just able to hang on.

Wyman’s speed proved too much for Harris though and the reigning champion set off on what turned out to be something of an exhibition ride. The Kona-FSA rider finished 1’31” clear of Harris to take her fifth consecutive win and equal Caroline Alexander’s record. Day managed to fight her way back through the field to take the bronze, just 14 seconds behind Harris.

Senior & Junior Women Result
1 Helen Wyman Kona/FSA Factory Team 42 m 04 s
2 Nikki Harris AVB Cycling Team @ 1:31
3 Gabriella Day Cyclefit RT @ 1:45
4 Adela Carter Crosstrax @ 3:25
5 Hannah Barnes (J) Candi TV /Marshalls Pasta @ 3:45
6 Corrine Hall Team Corridori @ 4:00
7 Nicola Juniper PCA CiclosUno/Squeezy/Isaac @ 4:23
8 Joanne McRae Arctic – Premier RT (NC) @ 5:55
9 Lauren Creamer (J) Wolverhampton Whs/Fred Williams @ 6:49
10 Anna Buick Thetford MTB Racing @ 7:48