Curtain falls on spectacular 2015 season - RTTC National Circuit Championship - 18 October 2015

Sam Hayes and Simon Doyle represented Team Sales Engine in the National Circuit Championship which was held at Thruxton Park motor racing circuit in Hampshire. This is the second year that the event has been run by Cycling Time Trials (Road Time Trials Council) and Antelope RT.

Building on the 2014 format, the event has developed in to a 200 rider contest, with all ages and categories represented. The event is a closed road time trial that takes on 5 laps of the scenic Thruxton motor sport circuit with riders being set off at 30 second intervals.

The early rides saw the Juniors and Ladies do battle around the 2.3 mile circuit. Dame Sarah Storey took top honours in the female contest with a stunning time of 25.05 for the total 11.4 mile distance.

Simon was off #127, just after 10am, the wind had definitely picked up during the course of the morning, meaning a gritty head wind in the first half of the twisty road circuit. Lapping consistently, Simon put in a time of 26m 59s to average 25.57mph. This was good enough for 55th place on overall classification and 8th in the Masters A category (40-45). This more than made up for the mechanical issue that robbed him of a decent time in 2014.

Simon Doyle - Image from Charles Whitton

Sam Hayes commenced 15 minutes later (#157), by which stage the conditions had deteriorated further. However, his current excellent form was more than enough to push him up the general classification list with a rock-solid 25m 52s time: an average speed of 26.68mph.

Sam Hayes - image (c) Huw Williams 

Sam's time was 48 seconds quicker than 2014, a great ride by the form man, and a fitting ending to a really progressive and remarkable season for the team.

Brett Harwood (Terry Wright Cycles RC) took top spot. Full results at  CTT.org.uk - results. Thanks to all at CTT, Antelope RT and supporters, sponsors etc for making this such a great event.