Steve Cummings edges out Alex Dowsett to win British National Time Trial Championships
Cummings takes his first national title on the road since 1999
Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) denied Alex Dowsett (Movistar) a record sixth national time trial title as he took victory by just eight seconds on the Isle of Man.
Riding his first race since fracturing his collarbone, sternum, and scapula in a crash at the Tour of the Basque Country in April, Cummings entered the race in unknown form, but pulled out a stunning ride to beat Dowsett by just eight seconds on the 44.4km course.
Setting off in the first half of the 44-rider field, Cummings did not have any splits to aim for on his ride, and set a time of 28-42.48 through the first of the two 22.2km laps.
That time stood for nearly three quarters of an hour until Dowsett, who as defending champion had been the final man down the start ramp, went 13 seconds faster.
Almost at the exact moment that Dowsett went through the first lap, Cummings was completing his ride, setting a time of 57-18.66 to put him in the hot seat.
For a while no rider was able to get close to that mark, with Tao Geoghegan Hart (Team Sky) and Harry Tanfield (Bike Channel-Canyon) both finishing around 1-30, before James Gullen (JLT Condor) went into provisional second with a time of 58-09.45.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Steve Cummings in race against time to make Tour de France after injury setback
From there it was going to be between Cummings and Dowsett, and with the advantage from the earlier split, the odds seemed to be in the favour of the Movistar man who was chasing a sixth national time trial to put him level with the record held by Stuart Dangerfield.
However it was not to be for the defending champion, who wasn't able to hold onto his lead, eventually finishing eight seconds down to give Cummings his first national title on the road since he took the junior road race in 1999.
Earlier in the day Scott Davies (Team Wiggins) won a fourth consecutive under-23 title ahead of Tom Baylis (One Pro Cycling) and Charlie Tanfield (Brother NRG).
Results
Men’s British National Time Trial Championships (44.4km)
1. Steve Cummings (GBr) Dimension Data, 57-18.66
2. Alex Dowsett (GBr) Movistar, at 8 secs
3. James Gullen (GBr) JLT Condor, at 50 secs
4. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBr) Team Sky, at 1-27
5. Harry Tanfield (GBr) Bike Channel-Canyon, at 1-33
6. Peter Williams (GBr) One Pro Cycling, at 1-52
7. Ryan Perry (GBr) Raleigh GAC, at 1-55
8. Sam Harrison (GBr) Team Wiggins, at 2-30
9. Richard Handley (GBr) Madison Genesis, at 2-47
10. Jon Dibben (GBr) Team Sky, at 3-18
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Enough already with the F1-inspired pit stops in gravel races: a call for self-sufficiency
The spirit of adventure, resourcefulness and inclusivity is diluted to the point where we risk losing sight of the qualities that made the discipline so unique.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel extends with Alpecin-Deceuninck until the end of 2028
Dutchman inks new five-year deal after team's second triumph at Milan-San Remo last weekend with Jasper Philipsen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British National Road Championships return to Saltburn in 2024
The events will take place in the north east of England for the second year running
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'Pure happiness': Pfeiffer Georgi conquers the pressure to take second British national title
The 22-year-old dealt a killer blow with her attack on the final climb
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Josh Tarling and Lizzie Holden storm to victory at British National Time Trial Championships
Dominant Tarling becomes youngest winner ever of TT race while Holden pips Anna Morris and Elinor Barker to title
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I'm on my own, and everyone knows I'm a favourite' - Fred Wright aims for glory at British National Championships
The Bahrain Victorious rider will take to the start line of both the TT and the road race as a favourite
By Adam Becket Published
-
Six riders to watch at the British national championships 2023
Geraint Thomas, Fred Wright, Anna Henderson and Katie Archibald are just some of the stars lining up in Redcar and Cleveland.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Former pro Dan Martin nominated for prestigious book prize
Irishman’s autobiography Chased by Pandas is up for Sunday Times cycling book of the year
By Cycling Weekly Published
-
Changing of the guard: Seven top cyclists who have retired in 2022
Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde and Tom Dumoulin have all called time on their careers this year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Facing retirement, Alex Dowsett is keeping his options well and truly open
33-year-old Israel-Premier Tech rider says reaction to his retirement has been 'exciting'
By Adam Becket Published