Matt Bottrill’s Ern Butler Trophy Victory

News: Matt Bottrill wins the shortened Ern Butler Trophy on Saturday on local roads

Matt Bottrill’s Ern Butler Trophy Victory

Saturday afternoon saw the annual Ern Butler Trophy promoted by VC Long Eaton take place in Grifydam, in Leicestershire. Traditionally a 25 mile time Trial, the event had to be cut to 12.2 miles due to road works on the course.

The race still managed to take place which was a big positive for the riders. The race kicked off at 2pm, with rain showers and some high gust of winds making far from ideal race conditions but it would be a good day to test the legs and get a few more miles under the rider’s belts.

The first rider to show promise was Madison Genesis Rider Joe Evans. The youngster did a rapid 26:00 to take the lead. This time would stand the test of time and it was National 100 champion, Charles Taylor, who would push it close but was still outside the time with 26:01 to fill the podium spots.

It was local rider Matthew Bottrill of drag2zero.com who was last to start. Riding on local training ground, Bottrill was soon into his stride despite being a bit disappointed by the distance, once out on the open road, he was soon hitting speeds of 30 mph down the country lanes.

Bottrill, would take the lead in a rapid 24:53 for his 9th win on the season. Asked about his ride Bottrill replied ” I have to admit I came here today to break the course record set by Dan Mclay – 53:18. He broke my record a few years ago and I’ve wanted it back ever since! But when they said the course was shortened, I felt like going home. But I started and soon realised I was up on the record pace, so I eased off a little coming into the finish so I could ride the full distance of 25 miles.

“While its unofficial, I set a pace of 52:57 and that’s a rapid ride around these roads so I’m really happy. Hopefully the weather will start to pick up now!”

Result
1. Matthew Bottrill -www.drag2zero.com 24:53
2. Joe Evans- Madison Genesis 26:00
3. Charles Taylor- South Pennine CC 26:01

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