Gruff Lewis took a strong second at the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic as Madison Genesis used strength in numbers to feature in a fragmented finish.
Gruff Lewis took a strong second at the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic as Madison Genesis used strength in numbers to feature in a fragmented finish.
Lewis’ move that sealed second was supposed to bring teammate Alex Blain - and the group he was with - back to late-attacker Conor Dunne (JLT Condor), in order to contest the sprint finish.
However the Welshman’s turn was so strong that it left him solo, second on the road and chasing Dunne.
“I wanted Blain to go over because he was the one for the sprint” a surprised Lewis said after the race.
“I was doing the work for him and obviously when I came through I went as hard as could to try and close the gap to Conor. It was only when I turned around that I realised I was on my own. It could have been any of us – but it turned out to be me.”
Lewis held the gap to the line to record second and paid tribute to a team that was ever-present in a race that is often unpredictable.
Madison Genesis riders were on high alert for all 179-kilometres, but had to reserve highest focus for the 11-gravel and dirt road sections that typify the race.
Erick Rowsell made a decision early on that he would sacrifice himself, by forcing his way to the front, protecting the team and keeping the tempo high, which would force other teams to chase.
“When Erick did that” Lewis explained “he was causing havoc behind. As much as it took some energy from us, I think it took more out of the teams that had to chase and it paid off.”
The same was true of Tom Stewart’s searing attack in the closing stages, which forced other teams to chase and allowed Gruff, Alex and Erick a chance to catch their breath before the finale.
Next week the team turn their attention to the Tour de Yorkshire.
Result – 2016 Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic
1. Conor Dunne (JLT Condor) 04.48.30
2. Gruff Lewis +00.00.14
3. Chris Lawless (JLT Condor) +00.00.24
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7. Alex Blain +00.00.24
25. Erick Rowsell +00.00.38
26. Tom Stewart +00.00.38