FFOSYFFIN riders Josh and Fin Tarling have been hitting the roads at National Championships over the past few weeks, and have returned with several medals.

The National 100-mile Championships were held on a tough, hilly circuit, covered twice in Wiltshire, and a very hot and humid day made the conditions very hard.

Josh, 16, had competed at this distance before, and rode strongly throughout to win the Junior category, and post a superb time of 3hrs 54mins and 29 seconds.

Finlay, 13, having never ridden a solo time trial of this distance before, approached it much more cautiously, but despite being a novice he rode superbly to finish first in the Juvenile category in a great time of 4hrs 26mins and 51 secs.

The National Junior 10-mile Championships were held on a flat but windy course near Hungerford, over a more familiar race distance to the brothers, having excelled in the Ystwyth CC events.

The race brought 150 of the best Junior and Juvenile riders together from all over the country, including the current Junior GB Academy team. Despite being in his first year in his category, Josh blitzed the course to finish in third overall and win the 16 year-old category in a time of 19:25, just 28 seconds from the win.

Fin, one of the youngest riders to compete on the day excelled in the blustery conditions and finished in a time of 20:48 to not only win the 13 year-olds prize by more than 2 minutes, but also place 24th overall - ahead of many older riders.

Catalina Architecture Ystwyth CC Time Trial Series

FOR the first time ever, all the local riders had pre-entered to compete in round six of the Catalina Architecture Ystwyth CC Time Trial Series, which started in the scenic Rheidol Valley. It was going to be a great night to see who would come out on top.

One of the stars taking part was climbing specialist Stevie Williams, who is currently racing for Team Bahrain McLaren - and his teammates include the likes of Mikel Landa and Mark Cavendish.

The next local star on the start list, who is regularly seen riding at the popular Ystwyth CC time trials in-between his racing schedule, was Gruff Lewis, who races for Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling Team, and he was the current course record holder.

The next two riders to have entered the star-studded line-up were the up-and-coming Tarling brothers, Josh, racing for Backstedt Bike Performance Race Club, and Finlay, of WORX Factory Racing.

The overall positions saw Josh Tarling come out on top with a new course record of 20.37, and hot on his heels, and only 14 seconds behind, Lewis crossed the line in a 20.51. Williams, who is usually more at home racing with the pros on the hills than a flat time trial, completed the podium in third place with a time of 21.22.

All the riders who were involved were treated to ideal riding conditions on the night, with a gentle south westerly breeze helping them slightly on the return leg.

The first woman across the line overall, and road bike category winner, was junior rider Lowri Richards with a time of 27.33, and setting a new season’s best time. Following in second place was Elaine Rowlands with a time of 31.36.

The road bike category saw Rhodri Jenkins take the win with 25.21, followed by Will Thomas in 26.20, and completing the podium was junior rider Llion Rees-Jenkins - all setting new personal best times.

Ystwyth CC first claim riders are also on top form, with Caron Pugh edging closer to the senior club course record that was set by Gareth Hodgson in 2019 (22.22). He crossed the line with a time of 22.37, and Rhys Jeffreys also clocked an impressive 23.01 to cross the line in 7th place.

It is great to see the club time trials back in full swing and a chance for the riders to test themselves against the clock each week. Thanks went to the time-keepers and marshals for their help at this event.

Results: Ystwyth Cycling Club’s Catalina Architecture Time Trial Series Round Six, Cwm Rheidol: Joshua Tarling 20.37; Gruffudd Lewis 20.51; Stevie Williams 21.22; Finlay Tarling 21.51; Dafydd Wright 22.15; Caron Owen Pugh 22.37; Rhys Jeffreys 23.01; Rhodri Jenkins 25.21; Will Thomas 26.20; Llion Rees-Jenkins 27.04; Richard Thomas 27.21; Lowri Richards 27.33; David Wright 28.46; Liam Morgans 29.11; Toby Driver 29.32; Gerwyn Humphreys 30.37; Elaine Rowlands 31.36; Gwion Humphreys 32.54. Timekeepers: Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray. Marshalls Nia Richards & Helen Jackson.