BARRIE Mitchell rode out of his skin to retain his British Time Trial National Closed Circuit Championship title on Sunday.
The 68-year-old, from Warwickshire, claimed his 22nd British title after winning the title for over 65s at the Thruxton Motor Racing circuit in Hampshire.
Mitchell completed the 11.7-mile course in a time of 27 minutes and 14 seconds and his victory brings Coventry-based M.I.Racing’s tally for 2015 to 21 British Championships, which is more than any other team in the UK.
Team boss Mick Ives was unable to defend his 75+ title after finishing third in a time of 31 minutes and 28 seconds. Fellow M.I.Racing rider Russell Green finished in 27 minutes 32 seconds.
There was more success for the team in the Midland Series at Henley-in-Arden where they dominated the veteran races.
Carl Sturgeon won the race for riders aged over 40 and he was second overall in the veteran race, while tea mate and current leader of the series, Steve Knight, finished runner-up in the 45+ category and third overall.
Phil Blacker claimed third in the 45+ race and Tim Stowe finished second in the V55 category.
There was further success for Peter Busby who won the 50+ race and John Gabriel also claimed first place in the 65+ category to extend his lead in the series.
Upcoming rider Keir Lewis put in a good performance but finished one place off the podium in fourth, while Mike Riley also finished fourth in the under-23 category in what was his first appearance of the season.
Elsewhere, Mark James was third in Brecon in Wales and Kirby Bennett also finished third in the Rapha Super Race in Halifax.
This weekend M.I.Racing will send a strong team to contest in both the Midland Series event at Misterton Hall on Saturday and the National Trophy Series race at Derby on Sunday.
