Sharon Laws and Ben Thomas took the women’s and men’s titles respectively at the British Cycling MTB Marathon Championships in Llandovery, Wales.
Laws led from the early stages and won in 5:40:38, nearly four minutes clear of Charlotte Davies with Melanie Alexander completing the podium.
“This was the last race of my season career and the prospect of winning my third British champion’s jersey in three disciplines (road, time trial and mountain bike marathon) was a huge motivation,” Laws said.
“I was thrilled to win to the event and it was a special way to end my career.”
Thomas wins in finale with Oldham
The men’s race saw Ben Thomas edge out Paul Oldham to the title by just two seconds in a thrilling finale after six hours of racing.
Giles Drake was only 20 seconds back in third.
“This course was tough and I expected attrition to shred riders from the pack,” Thomas said.
“Into the last descent, Paul led, then me, then Giles. I couldn’t make a mistake, just follow the wheel.
“Paul tried to get me to lead it out but I thought ‘there’s no way I’m losing this, I’ve worked so hard for this’.”
