IN the space of eight days Hayley Simmonds broke three competition records as she cemented her place in the Cycling Time Trials record books.

Simmonds started her record-breaking run in 2016 by recording a time of one hour, 42 minutes and 20 seconds - the current 50-mile competition record - in the Shaftesbury CC 50.

Then riding for AeroCoach, she had already set the 10-mile competition record of 19-46 the year before and was competing in her first open 50 to qualify for that year’s British Best All Rounder (BBAR).

“It wasn’t like breaking all the records was my main goal as I already had the 10 record,” said Simmonds.

“In the 50 that year I wanted to qualify for the BBAR so I found a 50 that would work and fit into my calendar. It just so happened that I had a really good ride on a good day and broke the 50 record in the process.

“The 50 record wasn’t on my radar as it’s a distance that dislike the most.

“The best day in terms of weather conditions was the 50, but it was hot and I was struggling with power because of the heat, but it was still which made it really fast.”

The following weekend Simmonds bettered her 10-mile competition record in the Team Jadan 10 lowering the mark to 19-31.

Just 20 hours later a third competition record was on her radar in the Bynea CC 25 with the previous record of 50-01 having stood for five years.

Simmonds became the first woman in CTT open events to go under the 50-minute barrier, recording a winning time of 49-28.

Speaking about her preparation for the competition record-breaking form, Simmonds said: “It was Olympic year and until they made the Olympics announcement I was on the shortlist for selection.

“I had been aiming to peak for a time trial that was in late July or early August.

“I found out Emma Pooley had been selected and I hadn’t, so I just happened to have really good form for those races so it was nice to show that I had really good form at that time of year.”

However, Simmonds was locked in a battle for the 10-mile competition record later in 2016 as Anna Turvey posted a new benchmark time of 19-08.

Not deterred, Simmonds returned a week later on the same V718 course to set the current competition record of 18-36.

“The day that I missed out on doing the V718, which was when the 10 record was broken by Anna Turvey, was the best day on that course for years and everyone had commented how it was a one-off amazing day and I was in France,” added Simmonds.

“When I went back the following week I really wanted to try and get my record back and did an 18-36.”

Simmonds’ 10, 25 and 50-mile competition record have stood the test of time with all remaining intact from 2016.

“Kate [Allan] has gone close a couple of times this year [to the 50 record],” she added.

“A couple of people have gone sub 50 minutes for the 25, but not really close. I think I’m still the only woman to go under 19 minutes for a 10, so nobody has come close.”

Simmonds still has time trialling goals and finished second in last year’s National Team Time Trial in her AWOL O’Shea Worx colours alongside Emily Meakin and Kelly Murphy.

The trio’s time of 50-37 was just 23 seconds slower than the formidable Team Bottrill trio of Emily Martin, Kate Allan and Alex Clay.

“This year I’ve been mixing time trials with my road and gravel calendars,” added Simmonds.

“I’ve not travelled very far to race this year so done a couple of local evening 10s, but not on quick courses or anything like that.

“I would definitely try and beat those times I’ve done before but I certainly won’t go to every quick 25. You have to get a decent day so you could end up going back to the same quick course four or five times in a season.

“With my calendar as it is at the moment, I won’t necessarily have the time to keep going to certain courses hoping that I’ll get the right day.

“I might enter some quick courses in the hope that I get a good day on that course, but it’ll need a few things to hopefully align.

“Maybe in a few years when my road and gravel calendar die down then it might be something to focus on. This year I ended up missing most of the CTT nationals because it clashed with other commitments.

“If the 10, 25 and road bike nationals don’t clash with other stuff then I’ll definitely do them.”

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