Bahrain Victorious riders won 3 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals at the National Championships this week, and all of them dedicated their successes to the memory of Gino Mäder.

The sweetest and most hard-fought was probably also the latest: just before 7pm on Sunday 25th Fred Wright crossed the finish line solo in Saltburn Bank in the UK to become British champion.

The 24-year-old rider, who was one of several attackers in the finale, and dropped his last two rivals, James Knox (Soudal – Quick Step) and Stephen Williams (Israel Premier Tech) up Brotton climb to claim his first title after finishing second two years ago. It was also his much sought-after debut professional win.

“I still can’t believe it, to be honest”, Wright commented after dedicating his triumph to his late teammate Gino Mäder. “I’m so pleased to get that first win – it’s like a monkey off my back really, and to be able to wear the national stripes for the next year is so, so special. And for the rest of my career, I’ll have a little GB logo on my jersey as well.”

“It was such a hard course with a lot of short, steep climbs, but my legs were exactly where they need to be before the tour. On top of that, to be able to dedicate a victory to Gino, it was an emotional one as well. What a day, what a day!”

Wright’s outstanding shape had also brought him a silver medal. On Tuesday, he was on the podium of the British national Time Trial, setting the second fastest time behind Joshua Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers).

Alongside the British Champion’s jersey, the Bahrain roster will see the Serbian jersey again, as Dušan Rajovic made it 3 in a row and 5 in total at the National Road Championships in Serbia:

“It’s the third time in a row. I am happy that the jersey will stay on my shoulders for one more year and keep my beautiful custom Merida in the WorldTour peloton”.

From road race to time trial, the other rider who retained his National title is Fran Miholjević, who won the Croatian National ITT on Thursday.

“I’m proud to have defended my ITT national title!” said Miholjević after his win. “It was a hot day and difficult to find my rhythm, but I did a good time trial and a good performance, and I’m happy to wear the jersey for one more year!”

Two medals were won in Poland by Filip Maciejuk, who took a brilliant second place in the road race, and Kamil Gradek, who claimed the bronze medal in the time trial, with his teammate Filip in 4th.

Bahrain celebrated two more bronze medals: in Japan, Yukiya Arashiro took third in the Time Trial, and in Slovenia, Matej Mohorič crossed the line in 3rd place ahead of his teammate Matevz Govekar. Tadej Pogačar (UAE), the world number 1, won the race.

It was a very successful ‘Nationals week’ for the team, and we look forward to seeing our riders wear their home countries’ colours with pride alongside the Team Bahrain Victorious logo for the coming year. Congratulations to all who performed so well representing themselves & the team; and of course, riding for Gino.

British National Championships Photo credits @Swpix_cycling

Japanese National Championships Photo credits @miwaiijima