POWYS is the home of two Welsh cycling champions.

Hafren Cycling Club stars Emma Sarjeant and Fred Meredith claimed national time trial championship titles in the veteran and junior classes respectively.

Meredith, from Welshpool, said: “I’m really proud to have won Welsh national champions jersey.

“I started cycling with Hafren Cycling Juniors in a car park about seven years ago and it’s been a great journey with lots of exciting opportunities since.

“I have since raced as a Junior (U18) for the last year with Team Backstedt Bike Performance.

“I would like to thank Tony at Brooks Cycles and also my coach Liam Holahan who have both pushed me this season to be in the best form possible.”

Meredith came up against a top quality field but a sterling display ensured the challenges of Ben Bright of Tofauti Everyone Active, Dafydd Wright of Caffi Gruff and Isaac Lawrence Brother UK were overcome.

County Times:

Emma Serjeant in action at the Emma Serjeant in action at the British Masters Hill Climb Championships. 

Meanwhile Montgomery-based Sarjeant retained her Welsh Masters TT Championship jersey in Newcastle Emlyn.

Sarjeant fended off the challenge of Anita Saycell from Ystwyth Cycling Club to retain her crown.

There was more cycling success as Rebecca Richardson spoke of her pride after being selected to compete in the British Cycling National Time Trial Championships.

The Llanfyllin star is one of Wales’ top cyclists and will line up alongside her peers when the championship returns after last season’s edition was cancelled due to the global pandemic and 18 months of lockdown restrictions.

Richardson said: “I am delighted to get acceptance into the British Cycling National Time Trial Championships.

“It is an event that will feature the UK pros who will come back from their world tours.

“As an amateur athlete I will be looking to gain experience from this opportunity and would be over the moon if I were to finish in the top 20.”

In recent years the championship has been dominated by the Barnes sisters with Hannah winning in 2018 and sister Alice the current holder.

The time trial will take place from Thursday, October 14 to October 17 in Lincoln as part of a competitive cycling extravaganza which will feature the time trial, circuit race and road race championships as the top riders in the country go head to head in a host of disciplines.

Richardson will be competing as part of the Brother UK/Onform Class.

She said: “My goals are to continue progressing as a racer and get hopefully get some experience of stage races as there is always something to learn.”

Manager Mark Botteley said: “The Brother UK/Cycle Team onForm squad brings a great mix of experience and youth.”

Phil Jones MBE, MD of Brother UK added: “I’m really encouraged to see how many new names have made the squad for 2021 alongside experienced riders like Rebecca Richardson.”