Revived '24' will be Hoppo's last hurrah

Hopkinson to call time on storied career at this year's National 24-hour Championship time trial

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This year's resurrected National 24-hour Championship time trial looks to be healthier than ever, says new organiser Tim Smith.

Smith, who is a Cycling Time Trials (CTT) director and secretary for the CTT's Manchester District, stepped up last autumn after the longtime previous organisers, Jon and Sam Williams, stepped down from the role.

Since then, Smith has registered the event, held on the roads of Cheshire over the weekend of 26-27 July, as a qualifier for ultra-racing's blue riband Race Across America.

The event will also mark the final ever race for ultra-riding legend Chris 'Hoppo' Hopkinson. It will be the 51st 24-hour race for the former British Best All-Rounder, who has won many national medals both in CTT events and under the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) banner over a 27-year career.

Said Hopkinson: "For a long time, I have tried to promote long-distance cycling, and I was worried [the National 24] was going to disappear. I'm very glad it's not. I think Tim being on board is a fantastic thing. It'd be a great shame to lose it.

“It’s the only one now,” he added, “and it’s unique.”