Naomi De Pennington, riding for Drag2Zero, won her first National title earlier this month when she took part in the National 12 hour time trial, a gruelling competition where the winner is determined by the distance covered in a 12 hour period.
Run over a mainly flat course in Norfolk, this event attracts the very best long distance time-trailers, in search of National honours.
Naomi, who is a second claim member of Banbury Star and who regularly competes in the Stars summer time-trial events covered a staggering 285.2 miles or 485.6 kms over the 12 hours, an average of almost 24 miles or 38.2kms per hour. Naomi beat the reigning champion, winning by over 10 miles.
‘I am so proud to win a national champions jersey at the age of 47’ said De Pennington after the event. ‘I figured the 12 hour event would be my best opportunity and I have trained consistently all year to give myself the best chance. I am incredibly happy to have pulled it off’
‘My strategy was to go out hard and then try to manage the fade as well as possible and this seemed to work out okay, though the last two hours were a real slog’ Naomi added.
During the ride, Naomi took isotonic drinks and filled a bladder with the contents of 20 energy gels, which she wore down the front of her skin suit. Never having had a bike fit, Naomi did not modify her TT bike set up for the ride, having done many hours of training in her preferred TT position leading up the event
The distance recorded was the third best ever recorded by a female rider for a 12 hour race, according to Cycling Time trials records archive. An extraordinary achievement.
MJK25.8.24
