Andrew Levinson Claims Third Place at Chrono des Nations U17: A Standout Result for British Cycling
Andrew Levinson has secured an impressive third-place finish in the U17 Chrono des Nations, delivering a standout performance on the international stage and showcasing the potential of one of Britain’s promising young cyclists.
Competing at Les Herbiers in France on 18 October 2026, Andrew finished third in the prestigious Chrono des Nations U17 time trial, representing Shibden Apex RT. Against a strong international field, he crossed the finish line in 22 minutes and 36 seconds, just 27 seconds behind race winner Robin Drujon. Axel Rondeau finished second in 22:31. Official race report
For Raceline Coaching, this is a result worth celebrating. Finishing on the podium at an international time trial event is a significant achievement, reflecting the importance of preparation, determination and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
A podium finish against international competition
The Chrono des Nations is an established event on the international cycling calendar, bringing together riders across multiple age groups, from developing junior athletes to professional cyclists.
The U17 men's time trial provides young riders with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest competitors in their age category. For Andrew, third place represents an excellent performance in a competitive field of 39 finishers.
The final U17 men's podium was:
1st – Robin Drujon: 22:09
2nd – Axel Rondeau: 22:31
3rd – Andrew Levinson: 22:36
Andrew was the only non-French rider in the top seven, making his podium finish an especially notable result. Chrono des Nations race report
Why time trial performance matters in cycling
Time trialling is one of the most demanding disciplines in road cycling. Unlike a conventional road race, riders must manage their own effort, maintain their position on the bike and sustain the highest possible speed without the benefit of drafting behind competitors.
Success requires more than simply producing high power. Riders must combine physical fitness with pacing, aerodynamic efficiency, race preparation and the ability to manage discomfort over the duration of the effort.
For U17 cyclists, developing these skills is an important part of long-term athletic progression.
A well-executed time trial depends on several key areas:
1. Power development
Building the ability to sustain a strong, consistent power output is fundamental to time trial performance. Training should develop aerobic fitness and the ability to maintain a demanding effort without starting too aggressively.
2. Pacing strategy
Starting too hard can lead to a significant reduction in power later in the race. Effective pacing helps riders distribute their effort across the course and finish strongly.
3. Aerodynamic efficiency
Time trialling places considerable emphasis on reducing aerodynamic drag. Position, equipment setup and the ability to maintain a stable, efficient riding position all influence performance.
4. Race-specific preparation
Training should reflect the demands of the target event. This includes practising sustained efforts, preparing for the course profile and developing confidence in race-day routines.
5. Recovery and consistency
Progress comes from combining appropriate training stress with sufficient recovery. For developing athletes, the objective should be sustainable improvement rather than simply accumulating more training hours.
Andrew's performance at the Chrono des Nations demonstrates the standard required to compete for a podium against strong international opposition.
Developing young cyclists through structured coaching
At Raceline Coaching, we believe that successful cycling performance is built on a clear vision, a tailored strategy and consistent execution.
Young athletes require an approach that considers their individual development, racing commitments, training response and long-term goals. A training plan should not simply replicate what works for an older or more experienced rider. It should be appropriate to the athlete and adaptable as they progress.
Our approach to cycling coaching focuses on understanding the rider, identifying opportunities for improvement and building a structured plan around their objectives.
This includes using performance data to inform training decisions, reviewing progress regularly and maintaining open communication between coach and athlete.
Just as importantly, training must fit around the demands of everyday life. Education, racing, recovery and personal commitments all play a role in creating an effective and sustainable programme.
For junior cyclists, the goal is not only to achieve results today but also to build the physical capabilities, technical skills and habits that support future development.
Train smarter, not simply harder
One of the biggest misconceptions in cycling is that more training will always produce better results.
In reality, effective cycling coaching is about understanding the right training stimulus, applying it at the right time and allowing the athlete to adapt.
For time trial specialists, this means developing the ability to sustain power, improving pacing discipline and ensuring that key sessions contribute directly to race performance.
It also means recognising when training needs to change. Fatigue, racing schedules and individual responses must all be considered when planning the next stage of development.
At Raceline Coaching, we place significant value on personalised training and unlimited communication. We want our riders to understand their training, ask questions and work collaboratively with their coach to achieve their goals.
This is particularly important for younger athletes, who are still developing their understanding of performance, recovery and race preparation.
A result to build on
Andrew Levinson's third-place finish at the U17 Chrono des Nations is an achievement to be proud of.
Taking a podium position at an international event, finishing within 27 seconds of victory and being the only non-French rider in the top seven highlight the quality of his performance.
Results like this provide encouragement for the future while reinforcing the importance of patience, consistency and continued development.
Cycling is a sport in which progression takes time. Every race offers opportunities to learn, refine strategies and identify the areas that can make the difference next time.
For young riders with ambitions to progress, the challenge is to use each experience as another step forward.
Congratulations to Andrew Levinson on a fantastic third-place finish at the Chrono des Nations U17. A brilliant performance on the international stage and another result to be proud of.
Looking to improve your cycling performance?
At Raceline Coaching, we work with cyclists who want to train with purpose, develop their abilities and get more from their racing.
Whether your goal is to improve your FTP, become a stronger time trialist, prepare for road racing or progress as a junior cyclist, our coaching programmes are tailored to the individual.
We combine structured training, performance analysis and unlimited communication to help riders train smarter and work towards their ambitions.
Focused. Tailored. Excellence.
Find out more about our cycling coaching programmes at www.racelinecoaching.co.uk.
Raceline Coaching – helping cyclists train smarter, perform better and reach their potential.