750 competitors battled for the title of Brompton World Champion.
Brompton is the brand of folding bicycle much loved by commuters from London to Lisbon.
Blenheim Palace in the Oxfordshire countryside played host to the championship race of these flexible friends.
Blenheim Palace provided a stunning setting for the 13 km race and was a far cry from the often hazardous, daily commute that many of the competitors normally face going to work.
All the riders had to tackle the 6.5 km course twice that weaved its way around the world heritage site.
In a very British twist, the organisers ban Lycra or any other sporting attire. Instead, the competitors had to dress smartly, ideally wearing a blazer or suit jacket and a shirt and tie. Helmets are the only concession to modern cycling gear, leaving no room for the de rigueur bowler hat although some managed a twist on conventional helmets.
The race began with a Le Mans-style sprint to their bikes, which first needed to be successfully unfolded and then the venue becomes like rush hour in the City of London where everyone was late for their train.
The sunny summer’s day provided ideal conditions although some felt it was a little too hot to race in their blazers. Unlike some conventional cycling races many competitors just seemed to want to be part of this event and soak up the fun atmosphere, with their fellow folding bike enthusists.
This event really does seem to epitomise the spirit of taking part as well as striving for success.
In the end it was Northern Ireland’s Michael Hutchinson who won the race in a time of 20 minutes 17 seconds, he led the race from the outset and never looked like losing his position. The former Commonwealth games cyclist was delighted to defend his title, taking home the gold medal for the second time.
AloJapan.com