News – Bottrill’s UCI Win

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Matt Bottrill wins the British qualifying round for the UCI Amateur Time Trial World Championships in the Tour of Cambridgeshire

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News – Bottrill’s UCI Win

Multi British champion in time trialling, Matt Bottrill, won the Men’s Time Trial event in the Tour of Cambridge. This is a new event that’s been added to the UK calendar which gives all different age category’s the chance to qualify for the amateur world championships in Denmark later this year.

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Matt explains “When I first heard of it, I was unsure what it would exactly be, but one I knew it was going to be held on closed roads with the atmosphere that I wanted to be part of. The event covered 16.4 miles on an out and back circuit which was quite rolling and technical”.

“It was the type of course you would see the professionals ride in the World championships. The event started in Peterborough show ground with 700 riders taking part. There was start ramp, race commentary and digital result board. With loads of stalls, eating areas and a proper warming up area for the cyclists, it was a far cry from anything I’ve ever ridden in the UK where you normally end up in a village hall some where”.

“It gave the chance for every rider to feel like a professional for the day”.

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“I was the last rider to start at 6:07pm so had the advantage of knowing all the fastest times and knew the time to beat would be Ashley Cox – CC Luton. Last time we raced, we drew so I knew I was going to have to pull one of my best rides out to take the win.”

“I was feeling quite nervous and had the added expectation of most people thinking I was going to win. So on the start line, with David Harman giving the full commentary, the rush of emotions hit me and I had goose pimples leaving the start area. With the added shouts of #teamBottrill giving me the loudest shout I was soon hitting over 550 watts. I would love to say I was going to hold this for the whole of the race but it did take me a few miles to compose myself”.

“Once into my stride, I soon took control and had to remember I was racing on closed roads so took advantage of cutting all the corners. The first 10 miles were pretty much into a block head wind so I just hit these full gas, but on the return it was a tail wind so I took full advantage of riding my best aero position. With two miles to go, I knew I was in with a chance of winning and was aiming to break 34 min’s but with the final few miles quite technical, I over shot one of the corners that cost me a few seconds”.

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“With the finish in sight I was able to punch the air knowing I’d took the win in a time of 34:11 With my family to greet me on the other side it really was a great moment and one I will treasure for the rest of my career. Once I’d had time to calm down, there was a massive ceremony for all the winners, which really was something else.”
“It’s fair to say a lot in British cycling could be learned from this day and I really hope it does. Its was truly an amazing day and I’m so glad I was part of it. I now have to decide if I ride the worlds in Denmark, but should I score UCI points in the BCF time trail championships against the likes of Alex Dowsett, Geraint Thomas and Steven Cummings plus a host of all the other pro’s in the UK then I will not be allowed to ride”.

“My sights are firmly focussed on this race and I can make my decision from there. But first, I have the defence of my National 50 championship next weekend which I’m really looking forward to. There’s a host of riders that could take the title and its going to be the hardest event contested in years. So be sure to check in next week to see how it goes.”
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