Lincoln will play host to the delayed 2021 British National Road Championships with a healthy contingent of two dozen Scots going up against the best riders from across Great Britain in the fight for red, white, and blue bands.
Scottish Cycling spoke to Paralympic double medallist Jenny Holl (Tekkers CC) and Under 23 National Road Series Winner Finn Crockett (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) on their thoughts for Lincoln. In the second of our previews, we focus on the Circuit Championships:
The circuit races will take place on Friday 15 October, on a 1km route around the city’s historic 11th century castle. Both the men’s and women’s races will be contested over one hour plus five laps, with the floodlit circuit passing through the cobbled Castle Square between Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle.
Unlike with Thursday’s Time Trial Champs, there has been several National Elite Criteriums this season which should act as a form guide for the Championships. One of the form riders in this year’s Tour Series riding for Team Scotland was Finn Crockett and he thinks those who rode the city centre races in July and August are at an advantage:
“I definitely feel more confident having raced quite a number of crits this season. Between the Spokes RT crits at Lochgelly and the Tour Series I have had a few good rides in there. Hopefully I can do the same on Friday. Plus, the fact it’s under the floodlights sounds pretty cool.”
Jenny Holl (Tekkerz CC) was too busy winning Paralympic medals to take part in the Tour Series, but she was keeping an eye on the domestic scene whilst preparing for Tokyo.
“Ellie King (Team Breeze) is extremely strong at the minute has been racing really well I think she won round Otley GP and one of the Tour Series’ crits.
“The crits seems like it will be good for me as it’s my first racing since coming off a break so I’ll feel a bit fresher for it – or so I’d hope”
Tonight’s criterium is available to watch Live through GCN+, Eurosport Player and British Cycling’s YouTube channel (UK-only). We’ll also share the stream via the Scottish Cycling social media channels. The live coverage will start at 17:15 – just before the start of the Women’s Race.
Scottish Riders to watch:
Bold Denotes UCI Rider
Elite Women (17:30 Start):
- Jenny Holl – Tekkerz CC
- Beth Harley-Jepson – Jadan Vive le Velo
- Sophie Lankford - Jadan Vive le Velo
- Beth Morrow – Storey Racing
- Victoria Smith – AeroCoach
Elite Men (19:30 Start):
- Oliver Maxwell – Saint Piran
- Alfie George – Team Inspired
- Finn Crockett – Wheelbase CabTech Castelli
- Matti Dobbins – RT23
- Michael Gill – Saint Piran Development
