Joss Lowden (Drops Cycling) clinched her maiden National 25 Mile Championship crown, winning by 41 seconds in Leicestershire.

The 32-year-old from London won the National 10 and Closed Circuit Championship last season and previously in her career had won the Hill Climb and Team Time Trial.

On just her second outing of the season Lowden added the 25-mile title to her collection in a time of 52 minutes and 14 seconds.

The A25/37 saw riders start just outside Seagrave on Park Hill Lane outside the Leicester City Training Ground.

Riders joined the A46 heading north and battled a strong headwind out passing straight over the A606 before leaving the A46 on Fosse Way and descending to the double roundabout turn.

On their way home riders were helped by a big tailwind as they looked to regain lost time.

Lowden, who has also won the Croston Velo 10 this season on her only other open outing, clocked an average speed of 28.7 miles per hour despite the difficult conditions.

National 10 Champion and defending National 25 Champion Emily Meakin (The Independent Pedaler- Nopinz) had to settle for second place on this occasion in 52-55, with her road racing team-mate at Drops Cycling Lowden taking the win.

Meanwhile, her team-mate at The Independent Pedaler-Nopinz Alex Clay finished third in 53-51.

Hayley Simmonds (AeroCoach) and Emma Lewis (The Independent Pedaler) were both non-starters.

“It was a pretty mad morning, to look out the window and see the trees blowing wasn’t great,” said Lowden.

“I was pretty pleased with the win as there was some really strong performances out there today. I think the conditions were probably better as the day went on with more traffic on the road to make more shelter as it was exposed on the way out.

“I had a positive plan to go out hard and then hang on but I couldn’t really hold my power but the tailwind back made it all worthwhile.

“I had to play to my strengths, and I knew I was going to come back good and fly up the hills.”

After finishing third veteran in the National 10 last month Angela Carpenter (…a3crg) took top spot in her category on this occasion clocking 57-09.

Erica Booth (Lancashire RC) finished second veteran in 57-40 while Lisa Davis (trainSharp) completed the veteran podium positions in 1-01-13.

Caitlin Peters (Torelli) was quickest under-23 rider in 57-41 ahead of the Liv AWOL pairing of Lydia Watts (1-00-45) and Hannah Bayes (1-01-50).

Liv AWOL also clinched the team prize with Watts and Bayes joined by Louise Scupham (1-01-20) making a combined time of 3-03-55.

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