Championship 24 - Event Preview

Mersey Roads Club’s `24` incorporates the RTTC Championship this weekend in Cheshire with former champion John Warnock (Twickenham CC) going for his third title at the distance.

Warnock, winner in 2009 and 2010 and second last year behind Andrew Wilkinson (Port Sunlight Wheelers), comes up against 1999 champion David Shepherd (GS Stella), who was third last year, in the 100-strong field.

Other top 10 performers from the 2011 championship who will be looking to improve their mileages include Andy Payne (GS Stella), Ishmael Burdeau (GS Gazzetta), Stuart Edwards (Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA) and Peter Moon (Eastbourne Rovers).

Nine women ride, including Lynne Taylor (Born to Bike), who has won the woman’s title twice, in 2004 and 2007.

The championship gets under way on Saturday at 1pm starting near the event headquarters at Farndon Sports and Social Club, Sibbersfield Lane, Farndon, near Chester. Riders continue through the night and begin to finish at 1pm on Sunday with the last finishing at 2.40pm when their 24 hours is up.

The New Raven Café at Prees Heath, near Whitchurch, Shropshire, is a good viewing point. It is open al night for riders, helpers marshals and spectators.