2008 News Archive
2007 News Archive
Thames Velo Spring Road Race
30th April 2007
The Thames Velo Spring road race was a chance for those in the Plowman Craven Evans Cycles team that didn't ride the dirt tracks of the Rutland Classic to stretch their legs. Among the 67 starters facing 120km around the Oxfordshire countryside were Plowman Craven Evans Cycles' Tony Gibb, Adam Norris, Brian Biggs and Kevin Barclay.
The race started in an aggressive mood but the gently rolling course and favourable winds made it difficult for any significant move to stick. Plowman Craven Evans Cycles were represented in any attack that looked dangerous, and by the end of the first of four laps the race was still together when the commissaire stopped the race to emphasise the importance of rider safety.
The temporary halt helped to cool the riders down and disrupt the attacks, and not long after the race restarted the first real crosswinds were encountered giving the Plowman Craven Evans Cycles train a chance to line the peleton out single file. "I realised that the team were all sitting well towards the front," commentated Brian Biggs who began the move, "so I thought I would test the field and help set up an attack that would have a chance."
That attack was promptly delivered by Adam Norris, and with the wind behind them a group of 13 riders went away, quickly organising themselves to gain a 40 second gap. "I took a few riders with me and it seemed to go" commented Norris. "A few more came across and once we realised that no-one else was coming we all started working together well."
The break reached a maximum of 3 minutes and with each major team represented in the break there was little attempt to close things from behind. The group was reduced to 12 when a rider punctured and although attacks were made they were all brought back. With 3km to go Grant Bayton of Team GWR attacked, with no immediate response until Team Quest rider Colin Roshier attacked from the back of the group cruising past Bayton to take the win with a handful of seconds to spare.
The chasing group began to sprint but only Rowe (Recycling) and Norris managed to get in front of Bayton. Adam took third for his best result of the season so far. Summing up his race he said: "When Colin attacked I was caught on the back foot and tried to get across. Unfortunately I couldn't and had to settle for third. I feel a little gutted as I didn't win, I felt really strong today but it just wasn't to be."
Plowman Craven Evans Cycles remain top of the national team rankings, and Gordon McCauley top of the national individual rankings.
Next weekend the full Plowman Craven Evans Cycles squad come together to ride the 120km Toachim House GP in Seven Oaks, Kent (Sunday 6 May). The next day some of the team travel to Suffolk to ride the Xworth May Day Crits.
» view full race calender - click here
More information from Jonathan O’Neil: +44 (0) 7956250837 or click here
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