Christopher Fennell (The Independent Pedaler – Nopinz) clinched his third national title of the season by storming to victory in the RTTC National 50 Mile Championship.

Despite having a host of national titles to his name this was Fennell’s first national crown over 50 miles finishing in one hour, 39 minutes and 31 seconds.

Two years ago, Fennell finished second in the National 50, but went one better this time out finishing two minutes and 17 seconds clear of his nearest rival.

The championship, which was well organised by Congleton CC, saw riders competing for national honours on the technical J4/9 over three and a half laps of a course near Middlewich in Cheshire.

Riders start on Byley Lane near Cranage before joining the A50 north and then turn north westerly onto the B5082 through Lach Dennis to Northwich.

Riders then head straight down the A530 and then B5309 back south to the finish at Middlewich with competitors completing three and a half laps of the course to make up the 50-mile distance.

Fennell had already won the National Circuit and 100-mile Championship events this season and took second in the National 25 Mile Championship on his last outing earlier this month.

However, the 26-year-old returned with vengeance setting a leading time of 46 minutes dead at the 23.3 miles intermediate split which was over a minute clear of his nearest challenger.

By the finish Fennell’s advantage had stretched to 2-17 to give himself a comfortable win.

Behind a battle was developing between Team Bottrill team-mates Phil Williams and Ashley Cox.

At the intermediate check point just a second separated the team-mates with Cox leading the fight for second in 47-15.

However, Williams had reversed the deficit by the finish taking second in 1-41-42 while Cox finished in third a further 15 seconds back.

Team Bottrill also clinched the team prize with Williams and Cox joined by Tom Hutchinson (1-45-02).

Quickest veteran on scratch was Matthew Smith (Drag2Zero) who finished fourth overall in 1-42-45.

Ronnie Stone (Regents Park Rouleurs) was second veteran in 1-46-29 while Chris Smart (GTR - Return To Life) was third in the age category a further 19 seconds back.

Para-cyclist Will Bjergfelt (AeroCoach) covered the course in 1-46-51 which was good enough for 11th overall.

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