25 miles in 42 minutes - the fastest race route in the world is (almost) back

The South Wales course, scene of the current record ride, will see racing once again after four years away

Marcin Bialoblocki rides in the European Championship time trial 2016
'25' record holder Bialoblocki
(Image credit: JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD /AFP via Getty Images)

The return of one of the fastest time trial courses in the UK, and the world, was stymied at the last moment last night.

After four years of roadworks and redevelopment the ultra-fast A456 course in South Wales was due to make a comeback in the Merthyr CC club 25-mile time trial on Wednesday night. But it was moved at the last minute due to – you guessed it – more roadworks.

The celebrated A456 course Hirwaun and Neath and has the course code R25/3H, has been the location of some of the country's fastest rides at the distance – including the current UK competition record – and has been much missed.

The course's not-so-secret magic ingredient is the fact it possesses a 'gift hill' near the start – a hill that the riders go down but are not required to ride back up on their return. This is because they reach the finish line beforehand but it is within 2.5 miles of the start line, and so falls within Cycling Time Trials regulations.

As well as being able to ride on a much-missed course, riders in all of the events above – and indeed all CTT open and club events going forward – will now be able to benefit from CTT's new partnership with Yellow Jersey Insurance.

Announced last week, the deal will enable all riders to opt into free personal accident cover for each event they take part in – club and open. CTT members can also enjoy discounts on various Yellow Jersey products.

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

After cutting his teeth on local and national newspapers, James began at Cycling Weekly as a sub-editor in 2000 when the current office was literally all fields.

Eventually becoming chief sub-editor, in 2016 he switched to the job of full-time writer, and covers news, racing and features.

He has worked at a variety of races, from the Classics to the Giro d'Italia – and this year will be his seventh Tour de France.

A lifelong cyclist and cycling fan, James's racing days (and most of his fitness) are now behind him. But he still rides regularly, both on the road and on the gravelly stuff.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.