UK National 24-hour TT championship

Chester, July 29, 2001

Butler beats the heat

By Dave Taylor, RTTC Press Officer

Overcoming temperatures that soared up into the thirties, Gethin Butler, 32, sucessfully defended his Road Time Trials Council national 24-hour time trial title. Butler covered 485.88 miles on roads south of Chester to beat Tim Bayley, 27, making his first attempt at the distance, who managed 469.82 miles. Third place went to Chris Shepherd, 38, with 463 miles. Best woman was Lynne Taylor, 32,who grabbed sixth spot in the championship with 437.11 miles. Arctic Racing Team won the team medals with a total of 1,268.52 miles thanks to Bayley, Andy Proffitt (409.85 miles) and Damian Coleman (388.85 miles).

In 2000 Butler won his title with 509.25 miles. This time Butler found the oppresive heat a handicap. "I would have prefered 24 hours of rain," he said after receiving his championship medal. Bayley, unable to stand unaided after his effort promised "not to do it again." "Riding a 24-hour is a one off thing for me," he said. Lynne Taylor, who thrives on distance events, and has ridden eight 24-hours, will "be back again next year." One of the oldest competitors, 60 year-old Scotsman George Berwick, was riding his 40th 24-hour. This time Berwick covered 364.82 miles.

Results

1 Gethin Butler                          485.88 miles
2 Tim Bayley                             469.82
3 Chris Shepherd                         463
...
6 Lynne Taylor                           437.11 (first woman)
 
Teams
 
1 Arctic Racing                        1,268.52
  (Tim Bayley/Andy Proffitt/
   Damian Coleman)