Will Smith, Verulam Reallymoving’s highly-rated U16 rider, and masters’ racer Stan Nwaka took to the national stage as cycling continues its return from lockdown.

Herts Advertiser: Stan Nwaka of Verulam Reallymoving cycling. Picture: NEWBURY VELOStan Nwaka of Verulam Reallymoving cycling. Picture: NEWBURY VELO (Image: Archant)

The pair were competing in the Cycling Time Trials Championships, a 10-mile race against the clock, and it was an experience that was slightly novel for Smith.

He said: “This was only my fourth timed event and I wasn’t targeting the race but just wanted to see how I would stack up.

“I did a time of 21:10 which I am disappointed with but I learnt a lot from it and know what I need to do to get better.

“I have a few easy adjustments I can make and some harder ones, and I am now setting myself the goal of going sub 20 minutes”

Herts Advertiser: Will Smith of Verulam Reallymoving cycling.Will Smith of Verulam Reallymoving cycling. (Image: Archant)

Nwaka, however, is no stranger to the discipline and he came home in 23:32

He said: “It was an amazing event with the cream of the UK competing and it was hugely exciting to be part of this national event.”