Fourth title for Nikki
NIKKI Brammeier took full advantage of a rival’s misfortune to land the fourth British National Cyclocross title of her career.
Derbyshire’s Brammeier, at 32 now one of the old hands of the sport’s circuit, was locked in a battle with 19-year-old Anna Kay, clear of the rest of the field in the race in Gravesend, when Kay’s chain locked.
As her young opponent had to run and, on the downhills, freewheel to the pits for a spare bike, Brammeier took ruthless advantage and stormed away for a solo win.
The irony, however, will not be lost on those who have followed her long and largely successful career in cycling’s winter discipline.
There have been plenty of occasions when injury or a crash that was not her fault have denied Brammeier a shot at major titles. This time, the luck was hers.
She also won the British title in 2013, 2016 and 2017 and has a string of second places to her name during the period when her main domestic rival, Helen Wyman, was clocking up title after title.
Wyman was third this time, catch- ing Kay after her problems but eventually being outfought as the youngster found her second win and a determination to secure second place.
Brammeier, now riding for her own team, Mudiiita, enjoyed the fact that she was able to coast to victory.
“I’m so happy, I really wanted this,” she said.
“It was such an amazing atmosphere and by far the best part was just being able to really soak up that last half lap and take it all in – I will remember it for a long time.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am. I’ll wear this jersey again with pride. Thank you to my coach, Marc Lambrechts, my husband, family, friends and my sponsors for all their support and inspiration.”
There was little room for sympathy for Kay’s plight, although a note of admiration for a rising talent who will not be too long in replacing her as Britain’s number one.
“Last year I lost out to Helen (Wyman) after a really good race and this was a really tough battle with Anna.
“I was attacking as she got a mechanical so it was rubbish for her but she was so strong.
“I was going to attack at that point anyway but as soon as I realised she had a problem, I was fully committed to it.
“I had been holding back a little bit because I knew it was a long race and there were still a couple of laps to go.
“It’s good to see what the future looks like.”
Now Brammeier prepares for her latest shot at the Cyclo-cross World Championships, in the first week of February in Denmark. Her best result at the worlds remains fourth, in the Czech Republic in 2015, and she would love a medal in the leading race on the international calendar before she finishes in the sport.
“The World Championships is in three weeks and I really want a podium there, so I’ll be giving it everything,” she said.
There was more Derbyshire success at the British Championships, with Tracey Fletcher, from Aston on Trent, adding the women’s over-50 title to her list of veteran successes, while Matlock’s Tim Gould was third in the men’s over-50 race.
Brammeier’s father, Pete Harris, just missed out on a medal in the over-60 category, coming fourth.