Helen Wyman (Xypex-Verge Sport) powered away from two-time defending champion Nikki Brammeier (MUDIITA Canyon) in the latter stages of an intriguing battle to regain the national jersey.
“It’s really important to win the National Championships – you get to wear the jersey all year, which is really exciting,” said the 36-year-old.
“I knew it was going to be a good battle today and I really had to think about how to win that race because Nikki was super strong.
“I think it must have been exciting for the spectators. It was probably less than 15 second for the finish and I hope everyone enjoyed it. I really enjoyed being in the battle.
From the opening climb Wyman forced the pace and was joined by Brammeier as the rest settled for a third-place battle.
National Trophy winner Beth Crumpton was initially chasing alone before being joined by Team Kineses’ Hannah Payton, who then attacked and gapped her domestic rival.
However Crumpton worked her way back up to Payton, who then payed for making the effort as she was gapped herself – allowing the Storey Racing rider to ride away for bronze.
With three laps to go Wyman opened a gap on Brammeier with attacks both on bike and foot during uphill sections.
The MUDIITA Canyon rider responded, clawing her way back, but when Wyman went again on the uphill sections Brammeier could not follow – Wyman eventually winning by around 15 seconds to take her tenth title.
Read more at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/britishcrosschampionships/article/20180114-National-Cyclo-cross-Championships-Richards-and-Harnden-storm-to-women-s-age-group-titles-at-2018-HSBC-UK---National-Cyclo-Cross-Championships-0#ff37xtUx1005wHhF.99
