Thanks to Jack for this latest update from the Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team. Ed
On Sunday 15th June six members of the Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team headed over to Winchester Park and Ride for some closed circuit racing.
In the opening Fourth Category Race, Ian Hayden was active on the front for the majority of the race seeing small breaks chased down and marshalling the bunch. A break of two went clear which was then reduced to one rider later on.
The lone rider off the front held on for the win whilst Hayden came across the line in a bunch sprint. His fifth place finish gained him more points towards a third category licence.
Five team riders take on Third Category Race
Next up in the 40-man Third Category Race were Wightlink-LCM Systems CRT’s Matt Allsopp, Sam Baker, James Ebdon, Kev Foster and Edward Sutton.
Several attacks went and were swiftly chased down by the peloton. Ebdon found himself off the front with a couple of other riders whilst Sutton worked to ease the pace in the peloton, however the break was soon brought back.
After unfortunately puncturing, Baker got a wheel change and went on the attack. He soon gained a good distance on the peloton, but after a few laps the chasing group closed down this solo attack. Shortly after Baker was reeled in, a lone rider counter-attacked: pushing hard into the headwind Sutton aimed to bridge the gap.
Ebdon disrupts the pace
With Sutton away and gaining on the lone leader, team captain Ebdon came to the front of the chasing bunch to disrupt the pace. Sutton forced himself on and was able to catch and pass the lone leader. He timed his move perfectly and crossed the finish line for a great solo win.
With the peloton now racing for the minor placings, Ebdon moved back up towards the front during the last lap and won the bunch sprint to take third, whilst the other team members finished safely in the bunch.
This race rounded off a great day for the team: victory on the day for Sutton, and Ebdon’s third place finish gave him enough points to win the overall Omega Series.
Image: James Ebdon – winner of the Omega Series
