OLYMPIC silver medallist Emma Pooley was crowned British National Time Trial champion for the third time as she tamed the hilly 21km course around Monmouthshire.
The 31-year-old finished 39 seconds ahead of Scotland’s Katie Archibald at Newport’s Celtic Manor to add to her 2009 and 2010 titles.
Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey finished in third place with Cardiff’s Elinor Barker fourth and London 2012 stars Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell fifth and sixth respectively.
And in the men’s under-23 time trial there was a Welsh one-two as Carmarthen’s Scott Davies beat Cardiff’s Owain Doull by 24 seconds.
Pooley, who won silver in the time trial at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, was delighted to reign in the Welsh rain and claim the coveted red, white and blue British champion’s jersey.
“It’s quite a few years since I’ve ridden the National Championships and I think every time I’ve ridden it I’ve won it,” she said.
“It’s really special though because it’s quite a while since I’ve won a race.
“I really like the course. It was pretty technical and interesting and challenging.
“There was never more than 4k without a corner or a hill so it tested more than just the power of the rider.
“It’s also very beautiful, which always helps, and it’s a really great place to hold the National Championships.”
Men’s under-23 champion Davies also enjoyed the climbs on the course, which started and finished at the Celtic Manor.
“I think as far as courses go I won’t get better than that for me. The climb at the end is probably where I won it,” said the 18-year-old.
“There’s no easy way up there and it was pretty tough but I enjoyed it.
“To do this in my first season as an under-23 is pretty special but I’m certainly no longer the underdog now so I think the hard work is still to come.”
Runner-up Doull, who like Davies will represent Wales at next month’s Commonwealth Games, said: “I was pretty pleased with second. Scott is a really talented guy and he was one of the favourites.
“And to lose by 24 seconds is a fair margin so there’s no wondering where I lost it.
“It’s mixed emotions for me but I’m looking forward to Sunday now.”
Pooley's winning time was 30 minutes and 18 seconds while Davies won the under-23 event in 27 minutes and 45 seconds.
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