Michael Hutchinson, first, National 10-mile time trial championships 2012
Just two weeks after clinching the National 10-mile competition record, Michael Hutchinson (In Gear-Quickvit RT) added the 25-mile competition record to his collection.
The 38-year-old London-based Northern Irishman clocked 45 minutes and 46 seconds for the distance on the R25/3L course from Glynneath to Resolven and Aberdulais in South Wales.
Port Talbot Wheelers were blessed with almost perfect conditions for their event on Sunday, where Hutch sliced eight seconds off the previous record from 2009, held by David McCann.
"Just like the 10 record a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't really going there intending to go for the record," said Hutchinson afterwards. "I like racing in Wales because I've done quite a few races there over the years and met quite a few people so it's good socially.
"The conditions weren't quite as good as they were for the 10 and I felt like I had seen better days on that course, but obviously haven't gone quicker. There was a bit of a breeze but if it's in the right place it helps you."
Clearly a man with some superb form, Hutchinson lowered the 10-mile record by 12 seconds a fortnight ago in East Yorkshire, and that record now stands at 17-45.
But which record is he more proud to hold?
"I already held the 10 record, so I was breaking my own mark, whereas I've never held the 25 record.
"Years ago I would've thought that the 25 was easier to break than the ten, but in fact I've broken the 10 twice since then. I don't know which record I'm prouder to hold though. The 25 record has been around longer, but I like tens because they are faster so I really don't know."
Related links
Hutchinson: New 10 record was a surprise
Reader comments
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Dave Bonner
September 09 20:46
Well done Hutch, a fantastic time
liverlipslouis
September 09 22:01
Isn't the first ten miles seriously downhill?
Baz
September 10 13:45
Younger readers may not appreciate the significance of Dave Bonner's congratulations; he is a former competition record holder at the distance himself. Early 60s?
stuart stanton
September 10 15:58
great ride but a silly course - far more down than up, you'd have thought it would be the other way round in the Valleys. On an older version of this course there was an absolute stinger of a climb on the way out at the 'Rock & Fountain' pub. Dai from the Porth once painted a big red X on the road there to wind up a rival ...... ah !! if only....
Ian Dow
September 10 18:01
Just checked the course details on CTT website, and yes - it really is silly. It starts with a seven-mile descent of over 500 feet, and finishes at the bottom of it!
Mike
September 10 18:42
I'm with Dave on this one. If the course is that easy how come everyone is not setting records on it?
john cocker
September 10 21:36
A good job done by PTW, thank you. TT's hinges on finding kit,courses and weather conditions that add to all the hard work that also goes into shaving seconds off pbs. Riding busy dual carriageways could also be seen as silly but people are chasing time on them week in week out. Hats off to all the people achieving PB's and holding there nerve on the descent.
stuart stanton
September 11 12:38
It's still a silly course.....what does it actually 'prove' at the end of the day? Not a silly as Dudley felt when he got caught just before that big red X on the road mind you.
Ian Dow
September 11 17:40
Good question, what does it 'prove'? The course exploits a loophole in CTT's course design rules, which limit the horizontal distance between start and finish but not the vertical distance. While attempting to eliminate wind assistance they have forgotten about gravity! So if you want to know what it proves, try riding the course the other way round!
Valerie Taylor
September 19 10:26
How about the complete result sheet of this event??
Kez
January 15 23:59
average 34.38 M.PH!!!! for the 10 mile TT......That's crazy!