National 25-Mile TT Championship

A small cafe-based racing team that was started only last year is well placed to make history this weekend as two of its riders are favourites to win the 25-mile National Time Trial Championship — no two riders from the same squad have won the titles in the same year before.

- Vern Pitt

Emma Lewis and Chris Fennell, who both ride for The Independent Pedaler a cafe team from Canterbury — are the favourites after strong TT seasons.

Lewis, second to Hayley Simmonds in 2018, comes to the race already holding the 50-mile championship crown, which she claimed in June. Fennell was pipped to the 50-mile title by Marcin Bia‚ob‚ocki (NoPinz) but has won 17 open events this year so far.

Lewis said: “To be classed as a favourite is an honour. I feel glad I’ve got that name tag. I’ve not been a favourite for anything until this year started so I am still getting to grips with it.”