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Day Two Highlights: Richardson Dominates and Knight Shocks at the Lloyds National Track Championships
Day two of the Lloyds National Track Championships delivered a blistering showcase of elite track racing. The velodrome witnessed Matthew Richardson cruise to a second national sprint title, Josie Knight pull off a dramatic late surge to dethrone a world champion, and Kadeena Cox master a demanding new distance. Meanwhile, bold attacks and high-stakes Paralympic events rounded out a thrilling day of competition.
Event Recaps & Key Moments
Men’s Sprint: Richardson Back on Top
Matthew Richardson (Team Inspired) secured his second national jersey in GB colours with a masterclass in control. Cruising through the knockout rounds undefeated, he met teammate Harry Ledingham-Horn in the gold medal final. Ledingham-Horn had previously bested Archie Gill (Private Member) in the semis, but Richardson proved untouchable on the line.
It’s good to win another national jersey. It was a conservative day. I respected my opponents but obviously raced smart as I didn’t want to waste too much energy… It wasn’t the hardest day I’ve ever had on a bike but it’s all part of learning. It’s still very special but nothing will quite top the first time, as last year was obviously really special.
Women’s Individual Pursuit: Knight Edges Out Morris
Josie Knight (DAS Hutchinson) set the tone early by qualifying just 0.141 seconds ahead of reigning world and national champion Anna Morris (Private Member). In the gold medal showdown, Morris established a strong early lead, but Knight unleashed a fierce late charge to close the gap, snatching victory right at the finish line to deny Morris’s title defence. Erin Boothman (Liv AlUla Jayco) secured the bronze ahead of Jessica Roberts (Spectra Racing).
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Honestly I think it’s an absolute privilege to race Anna [Morris]. She pushes you on to be better, you’re up against a world champion and that comes with some pedigree. You want to beat the best and that’s her, I’m happy that I’ve done that today.
Women’s C4-5 Time-Trial: Cox Conquers the Kilo
Kadeena Cox added another gold to her collection, showcasing immense adaptability in the new, longer kilo distance. Racing last, Cox executed a flawless and confident ride, pacing herself brilliantly to grow stronger as the laps ticked down. Crystal Lane-Wright (BCP – Private Member) took a well-earned silver, and Rebecca Newark (JAD) claimed bronze.
I’m used to riding the 500m and just going all guns blazing, so I tried to taper back the first lap a little bit so I had a bit more on the second and third… It does feel like a massive difference with the new event. I am a ‘sprinter’ sprinter—one lap is probably my best, so it’s a challenge, but also I feel like it’s the type of challenge I’ve needed for the past few years.
Standout Performances in the Scratch and Elimination Races
• Matt Bostock lit up the men’s scratch race with a bold, early attack that sealed a massive statement win.
• Fin Graham and Archie Atkinson both reigned victorious in the high-stakes, newly introduced Paralympic Games elimination races for the C1-C3 and C4-C5 categories, respectively.
(For the full daily round-up and live results from the National Cycling Centre, please visit the official event page.)
