National Women's Circuit Race Championship
Preston Covered Market, Lancashire
Event: 7th August 2011
Report: Snowdon Sports

Hannah Barnes (Motorpoint) retained her National Circuit Race Champions jersey on a cold, wet Preston August morning. The 18 year old from Towcester had travelled overnight from Holland to defend her title, and won against some very tough opposition from the girls of Horizon Fitness-Prendas.

With the Lancashire rain pouring down as the women lined up for the Championship it was going to be a tough and dangerous day on the tight Preston Town Centre circuit. The race passes through the cobbled shopping precinct and the rain made the surface treacherous. Dani King, Sarah Storey, Penny Rowson and Hannah Rich all in the colours of Horizon Fitness-Prendas began the race by blasting it apart at the seams. They put powerhouse Storey on the front and let her rip the legs off everyone.

Lap after lap Sarah Storey sat at the head of the race and reduced the leading group to about 10 riders. With her work done she allowed King, Rowson and Rich to keep the pace high, with Barnes, Elinor Barker, Corinne Hall, Sarah Byrne and Harriet Owen all able to benefit by sitting in the wheels.

At three laps to go Sarah Byrne (VC St Raphael) decided it was time to shake things up and attacked the others as she rode through the covered market. She was soon caught and on the next lap Hannah Barnes showed her face at the front of the race having helped to chase Bryne down. At the bell and the group was whittled down to just four riders, Barnes, Barker, Rich and King. But it was defending champion Barnes who was again to take the victory at Preston with a superbly timed sprint dive bombing Dani King on the final corner. The young Motorpoint rider out-classed the opposition having ridden a very intelligent race.

Joy for Barnes as she retains her title

Result:
1. Hannah Barnes (Motorpoint)
2. Dani king (Horizon Fitness)
3. Hannah Rich (Horizon Fitness)