The 2016 North West Regional Road Race Championships returned to the hills of the Trough of Bowland on the 4th June using the 10.5 mile (7 Laps) Oakenclough circuit. The weather was hot and the 2016 edition saw the first ever stand alone women's championship race. For many the Oakenclough circuit is a hilly course, but with fast descents, and some flat sections to make up time, it was anyone's race.
The men's race, as predicted, was fast and furious from the start. Several groups formed with Wheelbase Altura MGD, Team Chronomaster, Pedal Heaven RT and High on Bikes RT all driving the race. Eventually a small group of 4 made a break and managed to stay away for the rest of the race, with a head to head on the final lap between Wheelbase Altura MGD and Pedal Heaven. The eventual winner James Gullen from Pedal Heaven RT managed to solo the final lap and take the win.
Final results:
Senior Men
1 James Gullen - Pedal Heaven RT
2 Matt Nowell - Wheelbase Altura MGD
3 Jack Stanton-Warren - Halesowen A & CC
Junior Men
1 George Wharton - Salt Ayre Cog Set
2 Matthew Draper - Velocity Globalbike
3 Jake Wright - Identity Race Team
Women
1 Hannah Walker - Team WNT
2 Savannah Morgan - Team 22
3 Charlotte Alston - Team 22