Quotes from the championships winners

Time: 06:54 

“It was really good, it was a deadly hill, but I managed to get up it. I just tried to get as much distance as I could off the Start Line so I could get away from all my competitors and get in my own head space, know where I am, get in a safe position and win the race.

“We’ve got so many people coming in, which is so good [for the sport]. There’s more and more competition.

“I had a good old look at Buckingham Palace when I went past!”

Time: 20:52 

“I enjoyed it, especially going downhill, which is better than uphill. It was my first time and it was nerve-wracking, but I like the medal.”

Time: 08:21

“It was pretty good at the start but at the end I was pretty tired. It is my first time here and it was pretty cool, I will be back next year.”

Time: 08:18

“It was great, definitely a lot of new faces so that’s always nice. I trained a lot over the winter, so I am very happy to come first because I want to keep the work high, keep the tempo and bring it into the rest of the season.

“I’ve won here four times and it is always nice – because as a T34 (category racer) we don’t get to do much wheelchair racing.

“It’s always better when it is dry, it’s always nice to have the sun shining. When it is nicer weather and when I am focused on the Start Line, I am a lot more relaxed.”

Time: 08:31

“It was great, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It is my first time on the podium; I worked hard in winter training.”

Time: 13:35 

“I finished second last time, so it is really good as I have worked so hard to get first. I trained a lot harder and I got a really good start today, my hands were in the right place, and I just had the speed.

“Sunny weather is definitely better, when it is wet your hands will just slip off the wheel.

“I was just really happy and overwhelmed; I was so happy because I worked so hard towards it.” 

Time: 07:09

“It was a really good race. I started off a bit more tactical, a bit more conserved in the first kilometre. I was at the front and I just kind of kept it relaxed and [the chasers] tried making a move up Constitution Hill and going back down. 

“I thought just stay in the race, stay conserved. In the last 400 metres I closed really well and had enough energy. It worked out well for me in the end.

“It’s a very strong field. The boys alongside me are amazing athletes themselves, they really push you right to the end. I'm very happy to share the field with them.”

Time: 08:19

“The start was really quick, really chaotic. It settled down and then started picking up again past Buckingham Palace. 

“Down towards the Finish, that’s where a lot of people started to struggle but you dig deep and see the Finish and sprint for home.

“The whole atmosphere of this race is really good fun, with family, my team-mates and the music.”

Time: 08:12

“It was amazing, I did it last year and was going for back-to-back wins. It is the most amazing event and the atmosphere is just incredible. It meant a lot this year.

“It was a really strong field, I knew I needed to have the perfect tactics to beat them because we’ve got a really strong group of girls in our year.

“I felt confident in my training, my coach, Mick Woods, made sure he prepared us really well. We’ve switched over from cross-country training to track but the cross-country training helped build a good base for the track season and road races.”

Time: 07:26

“I was nervous the whole way through – but finishing was just amazing. I love winning!  This is the biggest race I’ve ever won. I finish second or third a lot, but this is the first win.

“My team’s getting me ready for the track season, so speed training was good for the end of the race. 

“There’s plenty of friendly rivalry with my team-mates – will I beat them, will they beat me? Marathon? Not sure Marathon is my distance! I don’t have the endurance!!”

Time: 08:27

“I try to find the shortest route to get around, I saw my friend come around and that sped me up. At Brentwood, my club, we have a really nice training group and we all push each other to do better.

“I came second last year. My legs were just burning by the end, on the home straight I did not want to lose again.

“I’ve loved it today; I love the experience. It’s one of my favourite courses and I really hope I come back next year and maybe one day the marathon but not yet, though, I’m only 12.”

Time: 07:59

“I came into the race hoping I would win as I’ve won the three major cross-countries this year.

“It was fun because I was in the lead so I could enjoy it more.”

Time: 09:32

“I’ve have done lots of practice for this and I didn’t know anyone else running but had lots of supporters in the stands. I normally train with Brentwood Eagles, and they were here to cheer me on.”

Time: 08:54

“I got pushed around a bit at the start but I got through and then saw some of my friends who were also running today and they were cheering me on, so that probably sped me up!”