The busy month of racing continued over the weekend with the second round of the Elite Criterium Series on Friday and the fourth round of the Premier Calendar Road Race Series on Sunday, both were held in Stockton-on-Tees and the surrounding countryside.
Posted On: 8th July, 2013
The busy month of racing continued over the weekend with the second round of the Elite Criterium Series on Friday and the fourth round of the Premier Calendar Road Race Series on Sunday, both were held in Stockton-on-Tees and the surrounding countryside.
Friday’s Criterium was probably the most technical circuit used for a city centre race this year with numerous corners, very short straights and a few cobbles thrown in for good measure.
Knowing the first lap was going to be critical the Madison Genesis riders turned up very early to the start line to secure a place near the front. However a poorly controlled gridding system saw the 25 minute wait wasted as riders pushed to the front in a free for all. Luckily Jack managed to a good position so was able to follow the front group on the impressively fast opening lap but anyone not in the first 20 riders didn’t stand a chance with the concertina effect in each corner taking its toll from the off. With all the major domestic teams represented in the front the group, they steadily built a healthy advantage before the business of settling the winner began. Eventually it was George Atkins that was able to create enough daylight to solo to the win. Jack, despite numerous attempts to rid himself of the remainder of the group eventually had to settle for fourth place in a tight sprint with last year’s series winner Graham Briggs and Olympic champion Ed Clancy.
Sunday’s Premier Calendar rolled out from the Durham University grounds in sweltering conditions for the 110 mile predominantly flat road race. 10 laps of a larger circuit had to be completed before the riders returned to Stockton centre for 6 laps of a smaller finishing circuit. Not put off by the taxing conditions, 10 riders went clear in the first miles of the race with Dom Jelfs representing Madison Genesis. The 10 worked well together but were never allowed too much freedom, one minute being the maximum advantage before they were finally reeled in with two laps of the large circuit remaining. Immediately a new front group formed with nobody from Madison Genesis. Realising their mistake immediately they chased hard but unfortunately only bringing the gap back to a tantalisingly close 14 seconds. The major placing were to be decided up front and the lead group worked well together to maintain their advantage with Ian Wilkinson winning the sprint.
"Jack rode well Friday, he was a protagonist in the front group, which was great to see. With the tactics for the series and the overall influencing the final result it was always going to be hard for Jack to go after George, but he tried hard. Sunday was a little disappointing as we were caught sleeping at a classic attacking point of a race. We have learned our lesson and will come out fighting again next week in Wales. " Team manager – Roger Hammond