The UK has a number of new National Champions. And not just new champions in existing events, but winners of new Championships too. Margam Park in South Wales played host not only to round four of the NPS XC series (in which Oli Beckingsale wrapped up the men’s title with his third race win) but also the inaugural National Marathon Championships.

The coveted rainbow jerseys were awarded over the 100km distance, four laps of an extended 25km loop in and around the Park. But for those not aiming for a National title, there were open 100, 50 and 25km events too. The impressive turnout of 750 riders across all categories reflects just how popular long-distance events are. And of course, unlike many enduro events, this was a proper race…

There’s a theory that longer races favour the older, more experienced competitor, and Nick Craig provided ample evidence of that, romping away from the field to complete the race in a little over four hours. Of course, not racing the NPS the day before may have helped a bit – second-placed James Ouchterlony came in 6th the previous day and was probably feeling it a bit. Ian Wilkinson completed the podium. Caroline Jackson took the women’s title ahead of Elizabeth Scalia and Helen Purdy.

Meanwhile at Bringewood, the downhillers were duking it out for the slightly baggier rainbow jerseys. Danny Hart took the Juvenile title, Joseph Smith the Youth and Matt Simmonds the Junior. Towards the other end of the age scale, Chris Waddup is the new Grand Vet Champion and Keith Wilson is now the fastest Over-40 in the UK.

In the big categories, it was a good day for Stu Hughes and Jules Coventry in men’s and women’s Masters respectively. Rachel Atherton is the women’s National Champion, beating Helen Gaskell by a whisker. In the men’s it was all to play for, with defending champ Gee Atherton not racing. Former champ Steve Peat was there, though, in his first race back since injuring himself earlier in the season. And he won it, ahead of Marc Beaumont.

Full results and photos can be found on the British Cycling site.