Kaden Hopkins will attempt to win the cycling National Time-Trial Championships for the third straight year in St David’s today.

Hopkins spearheads returning professionals Conor White and Nicholas Narraway on a new course with just 13 seconds separating the trio last year, and he is expecting another tough race.

“I’m expecting it to be very close again,” Hopkins said.

“Returning home from Guadeloupe, I’m definitely heat adapted and I don’t feel bad in the heat at all, so I’m looking forward to doing a very good ride.

“I’m feeling good on the bike, especially the TT bike, so I’m really looking forward to it. I definitely did a great time-trial last year and I’m hoping to improve on that again this year.”

A change of course around St David’s has introduced a few climbs into the mix and Hopkins feels that the modifications will suit his technical style.

“The change of course doesn’t bother me,” Hopkins said.

“Nic and Conor are on opposite ends of the cycling spectrum in that Conor is the heavier rider and would prefer a totally flat course while Nic loves to climb. I’m right in the middle.

“I don’t have too much of a preference but this course is a little less technical so it will be easier to hold the aerodynamic position and that suits me.”

White, who won the national time-trial title in 2018 and 2022, would love the chance to get his hands on another crown, with the championship victory affording the opportunity to race with the Bermuda flag on his jersey.

“Every year it’s a huge priority to come home and fight for the championships,” White said.

“It gives us valuable UCI points which can we use to qualify for international events and with the title you get the right to make your own special Bermuda jersey.

“All three of us, me Nic and Kaden, race overseas and when you get that jersey you can wear that in every race you do and put Bermuda out there.”

White, Hopkins and Narraway are good friends off the bike but that makes the competition all the more fierce when they are in the saddle.

“It’s good competition and it’s intense during the race but we’re good friends before and after,” White said.

“I feel pretty good but I’m a bit unsure as to my shape this year as I haven’t done too many time-trials.

“Last time I raced against these guys was in October in Guyana and I came out on top but that was eight months ago and I know Kaden and Nic have worked hard on their TTs this year.”

Racing starts at 6pm, and launches a weekend of events at national championship level.

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