Stockton-on-Tees, Great Britain – Tao Geoghegan Hart of the Axeon Hagens Berman Cycling Team rode to a silver medal performance Thursday in the Under 23 time trial at the British national championships.
Geoghegan Hart had set the fastest time over the 34.8-kilometer course. But two-time defending champion Scott Davies – starting last – bettered Geoghegan Hart's time by 19 seconds. Gabriel Cullaigh finished third, at 30 seconds. It was the third straight title for Davis (Team WIGGINS) surpassed the British U23 record previously held by Alex Dowsett
Geoghegan Hart said without having competed in many time trials this season on his Specialized Shiv, he was just trying to ride into his during his three laps of the course in Stockton-on-Tees. On Sunday, he will be one of the favorites for the Under 23 road race.
"It is not something that I specifically prepared for," Geoghegan Hart said. "I got back on my time trial bike the past couple of days and was seeing what I could do in the race. You are always disappointed ... because you come to these things to win. But it is what it is."
Podium photo of Geoghegan Hart (left) courtesy of British Cycling.