Hayley Simmonds has said that it is more special second time round after she defended the British Time Trial title at Stockton On Tees.
Simmonds said: “It’s more special second time around. This year Emma was coming back and Claire was riding full time this year. Claire is always a big threat, I’ve known that since we used to ride against each other at university championships.
"Claire was always the one to beat. So I knew it was going to be hard. And Sarah has been one of the best riders for years now and she’s not getting any slower. I keep hoping she will but she keeps pushing us all hard. So it’s more special this year because of the level of competition.
“I had a few time checks but it was hard to hear what was going on. Someone I know was on the middle roundabout of the three as I was coming back towards town and I heard him yell ‘you’re up!’ but I wasn’t sure if he meant I was up against Emma or up against Claire, I didn’t know what was going on!
“I’ve got a few more time trials coming up – I like being back in the UK and riding my time trial bike. I’ve hopefully got a couple of guest rides and some UCI races which I’m really looking forward to and then hopefully worlds again at the end of this year.”