Race Report: Stage 1 – Tour de Yorkshire – Doncaster to Selby

by | May 2, 2019

The 5th edition of the Tour de Yorkshire got underway in a familiar setting this afternoon, as Doncaster changed gears and hosted the start of the race as opposed to one of its famed, exciting finishes.

182.5km, two intermediate sprints and one categorised climb awaited the riders in a stage which everyone thought would end in a bunch sprint; after last year’s shock result which saw local hero Harry Tanfield take the victory on a similar style stage as the break held off the bunch.

The weather conditions weren’t reflective of a year ago and for a time it was thought that thunderstorms could erupt. However, it was metaphorical lightning that hit the race as, for a second year running, the breakway held off the bunch with Jesper Asselman (Roompot-Charles) taking the stage victory; and with it, control of the General Classification standings.

Earlier in the day, fans turned out in their droves to welcome a list of riders, potentially unrivalled in the history of the race.

Local favourites returned to ride on their home roads as Tom Pidcock, British National Champion Connor Swift and last year’s stage winner in Doncaster, Harry Tanfield all signed on to rapturous applause.

They were then joined by two race winners including the reigning champion, Greg Van Avermaet and 2017 champion Serge Pauwels who, after battling it out as rivals in the general classification in 2018, have joined forces to try and help their team CCC take the spoils once again this year. 

This is definitely the biggest victory of my career and I still can’t believe it. It’s really awesome and I will never forget today.

The plan was to get in the break and go for the best climber’s jersey. On the climb I had no explosivity in my legs though so was angry. I kept pushing out of frustration but I thought we’d get caught because the gap was going down really fast in the last 50km. We kept riding really hard and everyone worked well together. In the last few kilometres I realised it might be possible and gambled to start my sprint at the right moment. I went full gas and looked under my elbow near the line and saw there was a big gap behind and I couldn’t believe I was going to win.

We are really happy with this result and it was a beautiful victory. Now let’s see what happens about defending the leader’s jersey.  The last day looks really tough but maybe this jersey will give me an extra boost.

Yorkshire is an awesome place to ride your bike and the fans are always incredible. It’s fantastic that they came out in this weather and it gives you goosebumps to ride through crowds like that. It’s really cool to be here – like being in one of the Classics or the Grand Tours – the public are so enthusiastic. I will never forget today.

Jesper Asselman

Stage 1 Winner & GC Leader, Roompot - Charles

After a disappointing couple of seasons caused by a series of illnesses, Mark Cavendish returned to Yorkshire with self-deprecating comments about his chances but a look in his eye that alluded to the Manx Missile feeling as though he was slowly returning back to form.

Team Sky, who won the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire back in 2015, launched their new identity and kit a day prior to the 2019 edition and Team INEOS was introduced to the cycling world. Fan favourites of this world-renowned team were joined at the start line by one of cycling’s all-time greats, Chris Froome, who lined up for the Tour de Yorkshire for the first time.

Once singing was done, it was all business and the peloton went into the race nervy of the ability of a potential breakaway, but just a few kilometres in a group of riders formed and took off at the head of the course.

The race was then run at a fairly relaxed pace, with the peloton happy to the let the seven riders in the break head on to take the first sprint points of the day with Jacob Hennessy (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes) taking the bonus, closely followed by Liege-Bastogne-Liege U23 champion, Kevin Vermaerke (Hagens Berman Axeon) and Dan Bigham (Team Ribble).

Hennessy would also go on to take the King of the Mountains points after summiting the 1.9km @ 4.6% Cote de Baggaby Hill; and with them, the LNER Red King of the Mountains jersey.

It’s becoming a habit of Canyon riders to form a breakaway and make their mark in Yorkshire and Jacob Hennessy did just that. Not content with the points he had already accrued, he went on to take the second sprint points in Pocklington too.

With 23km to go, the break was down to 4 men and their advantage at 1 minute 53 seconds. A few of the World Tour teams sensed that they needed to gain some control of the race but CCC had bigger problems as reigning champion Greg Van Avermaet suffered a puncture and required a wheel change.

The peloton started to reel in the break but 4 riders refused to give up their lead. Jesper Asselman (Roompot-Charles), eventual Dimension Data jersey winner Dan Bigham (Team Ribble), Sean Flynn (Great Britain Cycling Team) and Kevin Vermaerke (Hagens Berman Axeon) all pushed on.

As the race thundered towards Selby it was Jesper Asselman who had enough left in the tank to hold off the approaching peloton to take an historic win for Roompot Charles and etch his name into Tour de Yorkshire folklore.

Tour de Yorkshire 🚴 on Twitter

Our break looks like it has formed for Stage One with 7 men: @DanBiggles22 @seanflynn @WillTidball1066 @kvermaerke @jacob_hennessy1 @jamesfouche98 @JesperAsselman #TDY https://t.co/tSEN2eJYnu

 

 

Tour De Yorkshire – Eve Of Tour Press Conference 2019 by Cycling Shorts

Tour de Yorkshire 2019 – Eve of Tour Press conference held at Leeds Civic Centre. With Mark Cavendish, Chris Froome, Greg van Avermaet, Christian Prudhomme, Lizzie Diegnan, Gabriella Shaw, Dame Sarah Storey and Peter Dodd. ©All content CyclingShorts.cc / Chris Maher

 

Oh, I’m very happy but I was a little bit frustrated to be honest, I got to that backend and had nothing left in that sprint.

It was a bit like last year but obviously I didn’t have the kick that Harry had. Obviously, we are track team teammates so I had a few hints from him but honestly, I’m real happy, I was really active, doing everything to try and keep that breakaway. I had a few goes at sprints and King of the Mountain and got second in that. My legs aren’t quite what they were a week or two ago but still, it was a really good day out so I’m well happy.

His plans for the rest of the race?

Probably the same again tomorrow maybe, why not?

Dan Bigham

Dimension Data Jersey Winner, Ribble Pro Cycling

Stage 1 Results

STAGE RESULT
1.     Jesper Asselman – ROC (NED) 4h05’34’’ 00″
2.     Filippo Fortin – COF (ITA) 4h05’39” 05″
3.     Jacob Hennessy – DHB (GBR) s.t
4.     Jonas van Genechten – VCB (BEL) 4h05’41” 07″
5.     Kevin Vermaerke – HBA (USA) s.t
 
OVERALL INDIVIDUAL TIME CLASSIFICATION
1.     Jesper Asselman – ROC (NED) 4h05’34’’ 00″
2.     Filippo Fortin – COF (ITA) 4h05’39” 05″
3.     Jacob Hennessy – DHB (GBR) s.t
4.     Jonas van Genechten – VCB (BEL) 4h05’41” 07″
5.     Kevin Vermaerke – HBA (USA) s.t

Jesper Asselman (Roompot-Charles)

Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries GC Jersey

Jesper Asselman (Roompot-Charles)

Asda Points Jersey

Jacob Hennessy (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes)

LNER King of the Mountains Jersey

Daniel Bigham - Ribble Pro Cycling

Dimension Data Most Aggressive

TdY Preview - Stage 2

The Tour de Yorkshire continues on Friday morning with the first Stage of the Women’s TdY, and is followed in the afternoon, by stage 2 of the men’s race.

All images ©CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Anna Magrath

Anna Magrath

Editor & Writer

Anna Magrath founded CyclingShorts.cc in 2008 and invited some of her cycling friends; coaches, photographers, writers and pro cyclists of different disciplines to join her, bringing you all things cycling related.

Over the years Anna has supported grass roots cycling events, riders and teams. Anna has a particular interest in Track, Road, womens cycling, recreational cycling and cycling related art. She has reported from the top cycle races on the world calendar including the Tour de France, Olympics, World Cups & World Championships.

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Race Report – Bickerstaffe Handicap Road Race

by | Apr 27, 2019

All images © Ellen Isherwood

 

Well they say “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and that’s precisely what the riders who took part in #SouthportCyclingClub #BickerstaffeHandicapRoadRace did today.

An excellent race with Sarah Hardy and Nicola Soden forming an early break off the front of the first group, which would see Sarah solo to the win after Nic punctured. The scratch group were at 2 minutes and a group comprising of Amy Gornall, Mads Scott, Jo Ryding & Maxine Filby bridging across. Amy and Jo then set out to chase down Sarah, along with Flora Knight, who worked together to stay away from Daisy Barnes and Harriet Gilson who tried to chase the three down. Sarah held on for the win, with Amy coming second, Jo third and Flora fourth. Harriet and Daisy held off the bunch for 5th & 6th. Rachel Brown led the bunch in, in front of Becky Gregson, Laura Gray, Sandra Mackay and Kate Taylor.

A great showcase for #WomensCycling and a big thank you to Colin Baldwin for supporting the women by promoting the event.

Heather Bamforth

Heather Bamforth

CyclingShorts.cc Sub-Editor

Heather has been with CyclingShorts.cc for 10 years attending and reporting on major cycling events; Tour de France, Tour de Yorkshire, World Track Championships, World Road Race Championships to name a few.

Influencer, Trustee & Founder of The Racing Chance Foundation Charity, Member of the British Cycling Road Commission, BC Regional board member and National Councillor

Heather is a highly respected member of the British Cycling community, she founded the Racing Chance Foundation, a cycling charity to help women gain experience in cycle racing and progress their cycling careers.

Rory Townsend takes the Title in the HSBC-UK National Road Series 2019 Opener

by | Apr 14, 2019

Rory Townsend got the better of Scott Thwaites [Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother] and HSBC-UK National Road Champion Connor Swift [Madison Genesis] in a three-man duel along Westgate in Guisborough in 4h 17m.

A ten-man group formed early on & led for 2/3rds of the 169km 3.5 lap course before dropping to four soon after. Matt Holmes & Tom Moses [Madison Genesis], Max Steadman [Canyon DHB p/b Bloor Homes] & George Wood [Swift Carbon Pro Cycling] remained defiant till the last small lap when Townsend & Swift went with Thwaites in hot pursuit.

Gabriel Cullaigh [Team WIGGINS Le Col] brought the chasers in 30s further back with Homes finishing 5th on the day.

Seventy-nine riders finished the gruelling Klondike course out of 137 starters with 3 King-of-the-Mountain primes in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Zeb Kyffin claimed the prize for Ribble Pro Cycling. 

Results

1 – 8 Rory Townsend Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes 4:17:57

2 – 47 Scott Thwaites Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother U st

3 – 16 Connor Swift Madison Genesis st

4 – 34 Gabriel Cullaigh Team Wiggins Le Col +30

5 – 11 Matthew Holmes Madison Genesis st

6 – 22 Alex Luhrs Ribble Pro Cycling st

7 – 9 Ian Bibby Madison Genesis st

8 – 80 Steve Lampier Saint Piran st

9 – 28 James Shaw SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling st

10 – 33 Mark Christian Team Wiggins Le Col +1:06

11 – 39 Daniel Tulett Team Wiggins Le Col st

12 – 14 Joey Walker Madison Genesis +1:31

13 – 17 John Archibald Ribble Pro Cycling st

14 – 135 Russell Downing Giordana Racing st

15 – 10 Michael Cuming Madison Genesis +1:36

16 – 27 Tristan Robbins SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling +2:00

17 – 88 Leon Mazzone Spirit Tifosi Racing Team st

18 – 141 James Jobber Backyardbikeshop.com +2:06

19 – 1 Ryan Christensen Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes st

20 – 46 Alistair Slater Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother U +2:10

21 – 38 Jacques Sauvagnargues Team Wiggins Le Col +2:27

22 – 75 Joseph Sutton Richardsons-Trek RT st

23 – 73 James Jenkins Richardsons-Trek RT st

24 – 116 Peter Kibble Wales Racing Academy +2:30

25 – 78 Alex Platt Saint Piran +3:14

26 – 19 William Brown Ribble Pro Cycling +3:24

27 – 87 Tom Mazzone Spirit Tifosi Racing Team st

28 – 81 Oliver Maxwell Saint Piran st

29 – 86 Rupert Graham Spirit Tifosi Racing Team st

30 – 112 Toby Jarvis Team PB Performance st

31 – 20 Alex Dalton Ribble Pro Cycling st

32 – 26 Jordan Reed SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling st

33 – 97 Andrew Nichols Team B38 / Cycles In Motion st

34 – 132 Adam Lewis BEAT Cycling Club st

35 – 111 Josh Housley Team PB Performance st

36 – 110 James Hill Team PB Performance st

37 – 41 Dylan Kerfoot-Robson Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother U st

38 – 140 David Bolland Velo Schils – Interbike RT st

39 – 150 Scott Auld Ribble Pro Cycling st

40 – 98 Jude Taylor Team B38 / Cycles In Motion st

41 – 109 Sion Harlow Team PB Performance st

42 – 52 Jonathan Bridge Crimson Orientation Marketing R st

Interview – Rory Townsend – Klondike GP Stage 1 Winner – National Road Series 2019 by Cycling Shorts

Rory talks to the media after he wins the first stage of the 2019 National Road Series – The Klondike GP. Audio & Image © Chris Maher / CyclingShorts.cc

 

The final 5k were pretty straight forward in the end. I knew if I made it to that point, the hardest part of the race would be out of the way.

There where 2 steep climbs about 9k to go so if I could get through that 4k, then I’d be all right.

There where loads of attacks to that point – coming & going – then 7 of us were away. We weren’t away long together as it soon went up-hill. Connor (Swift) went – I was just behind him – so I went some how. Scott (Thwaites) came across to us, I’ve no idea how. He’s a class rider – he can just do-it.

Going on to say as he screamed with delight going over the line: “I felt good coming into this race. I said to the guys I know I’m feeling good for this one. That put the pressure on me. But the boys rallied around me, really looked after me all day.  So I was relieved to pull it out for them.

Rory Townsend

Winner - HSBC-UK National Road Series 2019, Canyon dhb

GRN Presca Teamwear King of the Mountains

1 21 Zeb Kyffin Ribble Pro Cycling 10

2 43 Adam Kenway Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother U 4

3 11 Matthew Holmes Madison Genesis 3

4 6 Maximilian Stedman Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes 2

5 13 Thomas Moses Madison Genesis 2

6 4 Alex Paton Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes 1

 

Team Classification after Round 1

1 Madison Genesis 66

2 Team Wiggins Le Col 46

3 Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes 32

4 Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother U 29

5 Ribble Pro Cycling 28

6 SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling 19

7 Saint Piran 16

8 Spirit Tifosi Racing Team 4

All images ©CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Anna Henderson Win’s Inaugural Women’s East Cleveland Klondike GP

by | Apr 14, 2019

Anna Henderson win’s the inaugural Women’s East Cleveland Klondike GP

Women’s National Road Series 2019 – Round 1 | Klondike GP

Picking up from where she left off last Season with a win at the Rydedale, Henderson [Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm] out-sprinted Joscelin Lowden [Brother UK – Fusion RT] along Westgate in Guisborough to take the victory in this first of 8 races in the Women’s calendar in just over 3 hours.

Setting off earlier in the morning on the 2-circuit course of 111.6kms the peloton rode steadily around to the official start before the racing began. Sarah King [Dama Bianchi] was the first attacker to clear the peloton as they made their way on-to the that main circuit, before it all came back together.

The cold stiff coastal breeze made riding difficult for those left exposed to the elements as riders began to drop-off heading out towards the Moors including Dame Sarah Storey [Storey Racing] amongst others before they turned & returned back down towards the coast and the first Queen of the Mountains prime in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Joscelin Lowden took maximum points in both QOM’s to claim the title.

With around 30kms remaining, Christina Wiejak [Team Jadan-Weldtite p/b Vive le Velo] made the first significant attack of the remaining 30-odd riders from a 75-rider field as the race began to ignite.

Brought back into the group, Lowden counter attacked as they climbed Loftus Bank & Carlin How Bank with Henderson joining her. Eight more riders tried to bridge the gap but the strong climbing ability of Lowden kept the chasers at bay as they had an almost 2-minute advantage running into the final few kilometres leaving a bunch sprint for the remainder of the chasing group with team-mates Leah Dixon, Becks Durell & Jess Finnay taking the 3rd-5th places.

This is a bit of a surprise considering going around the course – a little bit windy – a little bit lumpy. I wasn’t feeling great halfway through.

I saw Jos (Lowden) go and you know-what. I might as well give-it-a-kick and see what I have left in my legs. Yeh! It paid-off obviously.

Jos kicked with 20-to-go and I though, she’s so strong I’ll go with her and see what happens. If I get caught as you saw, I’ve got about 5 team-mates behind me. We were a strong unit today.

Anna Henderson

Winner - East Cleveland Klondike GP, Brother UK - Tifosi p/b OnForm

Results

1 -15 Anna Henderson Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm 3:02:50

2 – 22 Joscelin Lowden Brother.uk Fusion RT st

3 -13 Leah Dixon Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm +1:41

4 -14 Rebecca Durrell Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm st

5 -16 Jessica Finney Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm st

6 – 59 Lauren Dolan Torelli-Assure st

7 -1 Elinor Barker MBE Drops st

8 – 61 Niamh Fisher Black Torelli-Assure st

9 – 32 Fiona Hunter Johnston Campinense – Velo Performance st

10 – 23 Molly Patch Brother.uk Fusion RT st

11 – 12 Illi Gardner Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm st

12 – 56 Christina Wiejak Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Vel +1:47

13 – 3 Anna Christian Drops +1:51

14 – 19 Emily Wadsworth Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm +3:50

15 – 17 Gabriella Shaw Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm st

16 – 34 Jo Tindley Campinense – Velo Performance st

17 – 28 Elizabeth Bennett Campinense – Velo Performance st

18 – 60 Jennifer George Torelli-Assure st

19 – 46 Ellen McDermott Team Boompods st

20 – 62 Sophie Thackray Torelli-Assure st

21 – 40 Chanel Mason Storey Racing st

22 – 37 Corinne Side Cycle Team OnForm st

23 – 82 Jayati Hine University of Sheffield CC st

24 – 45 Hannah Larbalestier Team Boompods st

25 – 21 Emma Lewis Brother.uk Fusion RT st

26 – 20 Jennifer Hudson Brother.uk Fusion RT st

27 – 9 Jennifer Powell Bianchi Dama st

28 – 26 Claire Steels Brother.uk Fusion RT st

29 – 39 Kelly Murphy Storey Racing +5:42

30 – 27 Ruth Shier Brother.uk Fusion RT +5:43

31 – 57 Mary Wilkinson Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Vel +7:31

32 – 25 Rebecca Richardson Brother.uk Fusion RT +7:41

33 – 50 Sophie Enever Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Vel +12:37

34 – 24 Fiona Russell Brother.uk Fusion RT +13:21

35 – 4 Emma Cockcroft Bianchi Dama +13:24

36 – 5 Charlotte Colclough Bianchi Dama st

37 – 72 Molly Weaver Orbea Racing Team +13:27

38 – 80 Amy Gornall The Racing Chance Foundation st

39 – 2 Megan Barker Drops +13:28

40 – 6 Sarah King Bianchi Dama +14:55

 

 

Interview – Anna Henderson – Klondike GP Winner – Round 1 – National Road Series 2019 by Cycling Shorts

Anna Henderson of Team OnForm talks to the media after her win in the first ever Women’s Klondike GP – Round 1 of the National Road Series. Audio & Image ©Chris Maher / CyclingShorts.cc

 

GRN Presca Teamwear Queen of the Mountains

1 – 22 Joscelin Lowden Brother.uk Fusion RT 10

2 – 15 Anna Henderson Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm 4

3 – 32 Fiona Hunter Johnston Campinense – Velo Performance 3

4 – 14 Rebecca Durrell Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm 2

5 – 59 Lauren Dolan Torelli-Assure 2

6 – 61 Niamh Fisher Black Torelli-Assure 1

Team Classification after Round 1

1 Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm 80

2 Brother.uk Fusion RT 40

3 Torelli-Assure 39

4 Drops 26

5 Campinense – Velo Performance 23

6 Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Vel 9

7 Team Boompods 2

All images ©CyclingShorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

Race Report – Tour of the Reservoir – Stage 1

by | Jun 24, 2018

Storey Shows Form Ahead Of National Time Trial & Road Race Championships In Northumberland Winning The First Stage Of The HSBC-UK British Cycling Women’s Road Series 2018 Third Round, The Northumbrian Water Alexandra Tour Of The Reservoir.

Dame Sarah Storey – Story Racing Time Trialled herself around the 65.5 mile course of Northumberland’s Derwent Water in round 3 of the HSBC-UK British Cycling Women’s Road Series the Alexandra Tour of the Reservoir. Part of a 3 rider breakaway, Storey was accompanied by Emma Cockcroft – Bianca Dama and Charmaine Porter – Cycle Team OnForm for the best part of 50 miles before Porter lost touch towards the top of the main climb of Bale Hill towards Meadows Edge leaving 2 rides at the front of the race.

  

Training hard recently back on her bike after giving birth to her second child – Charlie – eight months earlier said after today’s stage: “I was always going to be the Carrot – so-to-say, I need to keep putting the miles in my legs. So always the opportunity to keep pushing that form, and a bit of a weight loss programme as well. So if you are out front, then you are burning matches”. But no, I didn’t expect to win today. “I have the experience to win a bike race” she went on to say “given that opportunity. I was happy for it to come back together if the bunch did get their act together in that final lap. Equally I was ready to pounce on the last climb to win the race”.

Dame Sarah Storey

Stage 1 Winner Tour of the Reservoir 2018, Storey Racing

Looking at Sarah’s schedule to get her back in shape she went on to say that I was hoping to be in reasonable shape by now ahead of next weeks Nationals. Also hoping for a good hit there too (targeting the Time Trial) which would set me up for the Para World Road Championships in early August. That would make Charlie nine-months-old. Roughly about the same time I won my first World title after (her first child) Louisa was born.

Putting money in the bank through hard training recently Sarah said that you can see where you are by doing races like this. So it’s a bit further ahead than I expected she said surprisingly. So that’s really nice.       

Jo Tindley – NJC – Biemme – Echelon lit the peloton up early in lap 1 of the Reservoir circuit as over 90 riders took the start out of Edmundbyres early morning.

The main break of the day soon established with several riders trying to bridge across from the peloton. Fiona Hunter Johnston – Fushion RT – Veloperformance almost made the junction as the gap grew from 32s to over a minute across the first pass of the finish line.

Storey claimed the first Prime with Cockcroft, Porter and then Ruth Summerford – trainSharp Club and Tindley 5th. Winning the overall QOM on stage 1.

 

Interview – Sarah Storey – Stage 1 Winner – Tour of the Reservoir 2018 by Cycling Shorts

Dame Sarah chats to Chris Maher of CyclingShorts.cc after her stage 1 win on the rather blustery Tour of The Reservoir 2018. All content ©www.cyclingshorts.cc | www.chrismaher.co.uk

Leah Dixon – Cycle Team OnForm set about chasing the leaders as their lead extended to over two minutes second pass of the finish line.

The trio of leaders extended their lead going into the main climb, now over three minutes up.

An increase in pace from the peloton, saw the gap began to drop as they descended back towards Edmundbyers. Now down to two leaders, the middle chasing riders formed a group of five at 1m.18s and the peloton further back at 1m.55s as former Women’s Road Series winner Lizzy Banks – UnitedHealthCare Pro Cycling drove the chase.

With only Illi Gardner – YRDP left chasing Storey & Cockcroft at 1m.01s the peloton sucked up the remaining riders with 9 miles to go.

Several more attacks in the final few miles came to nothing including Porter again, part of the original breakaway.

Storey made her move with 200m to go, Cockcroft finishing second. Nikki Juniper took the bunch sprint up to the finish line ensuring she remains at the head of affairs going into stage 2 on Sunday morning. This includes 2 ascends of Bale Hill, this time the opposite way round pushing the distance up to 75.7miles.

Provisional results

1. Dame Sarah Storey (Team Storey)

2. Emma Cockcroft (Bianchi Dama)

3. Nikki Juniper (NJC-Biemme-Echelon)    

 

 

Chris Maher

Chris Maher

Photographer & Writer

Based in the North East of England; photographer Chris Maher specialises in sports photography with his main interests in Cycling and Super Bikes. Chris has covered sports events from local and national level right up to the Olympics for CyclingShorts.cc.
Website: www.ChrisMaher.co.uk

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