The National 24-Hour Championships attracts people from across the country each year – not just to compete, but crucially to volunteer and help make sure the event happens every year.

Mersey Roads will once again host the longest distanced Cycling Time Trials event this year on July 27.

Organiser Jon Williams says that a host of clubs, former winners and long distance enthusiasts from across the country help make the event successful every year.

“It’s more about people who are interested rather than a club event,” said Williams.

“We have people come from Bristol to help marshal and be timekeepers. We have about 70 people including last man marshals and section marshals.

“We have clubs like the Port Sunlight Wheelers who turn out to do a big job with Andy Wilkinson who was competition record holder for a while.

“He turns out with his club to do a big job all through the night. They have a group who run one of the roundabouts and time checks from 10pm until 6am between them.

“We have people who come from Cornwall and Yorkshire to help and they come every year, from all over as they are interested in 24-hour events. And the 24-hour Fellowship have enthusiasts who come and help.

“Quite often we get people who have ridden the previous year who come and help the following year. They’ve ridden and experienced some the camaraderie. It’s that type of event.

“People who have ridden all find that it’s a bit special, I don’t know why. I’ve never ridden, but people do find that.

“The riders find it different as they’re racing each other as they’re there for so long so have a bit more contact with each other.

“A lot of people who have ridden and won it support the event either financially or help.”

For organiser Williams the National 24-hour Championship was something he was involved with from a young age.

Now he is helped by daughter Samantha Williams in organising the event along with a loyal band of helpers. 

He added: “Since I was a child I’ve been involved in marshalling and things like that.

“It’s like a family thing, my grandfather was part of the committee that first organised it. The event used to be run by the Anfield Bicycle Club and we took it over just after the war to make sure it keeps on happening.

“It’s a lot easier in that respect, tinkering with things that come up. At the moment part of the course is in Wales where the 20 miles per hour limit is going to affect that.

“We will have to come up with an alternative. Every year we always have roadworks or something like that so we have to change the course. If we can’t use part of the course then we use other parts more often.”

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