Wightlink-LCM Systems riders Ian Hayden and Edward Sutton took part in the 60 mile 2/3/4 category Sotonia Summer Road Race in Owslebury near Winchester on Sunday.
Battling for position for the whole race Sutton watched for decisive attacks. With 2 laps to go it became apparent that the break of three riders, with a 1 minute advantage over the main field, could be the winning move. Attacking on the 11% gradient of the course Sutton quickly distanced himself from the peloton to join the breakaway.
After working together with the other riders Sutton attacked twice on the last lap shelling one rider from the break, but failed to shake the remaining two. After this the break worked together until the final stretch, in which Sutton did the large part of work in the wind. Heading into the last few hundred metres, the peloton was looming 24 seconds behind. In the sprint that ensued Sutton held on to be narrowly beaten for the top spot claiming second place.
This was sufficient for Sutton to gain enough points to move up to second category, putting him in good stead for his season goal of competing at the Junior National Road Race later this month.
Earlier in the week on Thursday, team member James Ebdon competed in the 10th round of the Highfield Kitchens/Godley Cycles Criterium in Middlesbrough.
The circuit was made up of 4 fast flowing corners and covered approximately half a mile each lap. The start of the 45 minute race was fairly slow and gave Ebdon a good chance to get to grips with the circuit. After 20 minutes of racing, Ebdon decided to attack and split the bunch. Three other riders came with him and they soon had a sizeable gap over the main group.
Unfortunately, two of the group weren’t strong enough to contribute to the pace and after 15 minutes away the four were caught. As soon as contact was made another rider attacked and managed to stay away on his own to the finish. Ebdon sprinted well to take 3rd from the bunch and 4th overall.
