Lloyds National Road Championships – Time-trial Preview
The 2026 Lloyds National Road Championships kick off this week in Ceredigion with a high intensity time-trial through the beautiful market town of Lampeter. Riders will compete in front of the Welsh crowd for glory and the national title in the first of the three-event championships.
The stage
Thursday 25 June will see the 2026 Lloyds National Road Championship get underway as some of the biggest names in the British road scene take on a challenging route on the roads of Ceredigion.
Starting not far from the University of Wales, Lampeter campus, the new course consists of a circuit that takes in the green fields and picturesque hills of the surrounding area.
Rolling roads greet riders who will look to get into their rhythm as they speed out of Lampeter towards the village of Llanfair Clydogau. Passing the village hall, riders will return back towards Lampeter, passing Cellan and the outskirts of Cwmann, providing an excellent test for riders.
Racing starts early doors with the Under-23 Men time-trial kicking off at 9am, before the Elite Women at 10:46, Under-23 Women at 13:50 before the Elite Men close things out at 14:50.
The riders
The quality of British riders competing at the Lloyds National Road Championships this year is sky high.
All four reigning National Time-Trial Champions, Zoe Backstedt (CANYON // SRAM Zondacrypto), Ethan Hayter (Soudal Quick-Step), Millie Couzens (Fenix-Premier Tech) and Callum Thornley (Red Bull - BORA – Hansgrohe) will return to Ceredigion, with Couzens and Thornley now competing in the elite field after winning their under-23 crowns last year.
Silver medalist in Paris 2024 Anna Henderson (Lidl – Trek) will return to chase the domestic honours in the Elite Women time-trial, while rising star Erin Boothman (Liv AlUla Jayco) makes her National Road Championship debut and will be one to watch in the under-23 women.
Charlie Tanfield (Private Member) and Sam Watson (NetCompany Ineos) will be other ones to watch in the Elite Men time-trial, while 2025 silver medalist Ben Wiggins (Hagens Berman Jayco) will look to do one better this year in the under-23 men, joined by strong riders in Josh Golliker (EF Education – Aevolo) and Henry Hobbs (Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development).
A host of Welsh riders will be set to be some of the crowd favourites in the event, including Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team), Rory Gravelle (Tirol KTM Cycling Team), Elynor Backstedt (UAE Team ADQ), Anna Morris (Private Member) and Lowri Richards (Solas Cycling).
Speaking on the upcoming road championships, reigning Elite Women Time-Trial National Champion Zoe Backstedt said:
“I’m really excited for the TT this year. Last year was really fun, but this year, I think the course suits me even more. It’s been super cool to race in the jersey this year, going from the Championships, straight into competition and winning in it – I feel like I’ve done the jersey proud.
“Being able to race nationals, it’s super fun to be racing in the UK. Being so close to home, it’s something else in itself. It gives me a little extra umph, a little excitement, and a few extra watts to push even harder.”
The full rider list can be found here.
How to Watch
For fans not able to watch the races unfold from the roadside, you can follow along on the British Cycling social media channels. Live timings and results will be available on the British Cycling website, where you can also find a full report and imagery shortly after the last event finishes.
A highlights package will also be available on the British Cycling Youtube Channel after the event
Join the conversation!
Whether you’re in Lampeter or watching at home, send your messages of support to the riders and photos to us on Facebook and Instagram, where we’ll be sharing our exclusive content and behind the scenes footage throughout the event.
22/06/2026