Fennell eyes quadruple crown after National 25 win

Independent Pedaler-Nopinz riders take titles on rolling Devonian course

Chris Fennell made a successful start to his 2022 national time trial campaign by winning the 25-mile Championship in Devon on Sunday as his Independent Pedaler-Nopinz team dominated proceedings.

The 26-year-old, who is aiming to more than double the number of national titles he won in 2021, clocked 51-37 and was fastest by four seconds in Cullompton.

However, runner-up Oliver Peckover (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) was rueing bad luck having unshipped his chain during his ride and lost more than four seconds, while pre-race favorite and defending champion John Archibald didn’t ride as he was recovering from his contribution to a record-breaking Sub8 Ironman triathlon, as well as having one eye on next month’s Commonwealth Games.

Fennell remained upbeat about his plans for multiple titles this season, with the rolling course used for the National 25, organised by Exeter Wheelers, not to his liking and aiming to get back to less technical courses for future title races.