When the team vehicles arrived in York some five hours before the start of the event, the city centre was already packed with thousands of people soaking up the atmosphere around the tight urban circuit.
Posted On: 22nd July, 2013
When the team vehicles arrived in York some five hours before the start of the event, the city centre was already packed with thousands of people soaking up the atmosphere around the tight urban circuit. A huge screen beamed live pictures of the final stage of the Tour De France as a prelude to the championships helping to steadily build the atmosphere.
Madison Genesis lined up with six riders in the 100 rider field. Only 20 riders were gridded on the start, two from Madison Genesis. The opening laps were always going to be hectic, maintaining position was going to be both impossible but imperative.
We started well, the entire team fighting their way through the group to the front before executing the plan of reducing the group size and hopefully distancing the pure sprinters. First Ian put in a blistering attack, Rapha tried to maintain a good tempo behind in the hope of getting Ed Clancy to the line but Madison Genesis didn't want to let that happen. Once Ian was reeled in Liam immediately went on the offensive, once again forcing the other teams to work hard to catch him. When he was caught, it was Jack turn to try. Joined by Friday’s race winner - Tom Moulde, UK Youth - the duo worked well creating a sizable gap and the constant chasing behind was beginning to take its toll. The group had significantly reduced in size and the pre-race favourite, Ed Clancy was in trouble. The plan was working! One final attack by Ian saw the Olympic champion momentarily distanced with just two laps to go. The title was to be decided by a small group sprint. Going in to the final lap Dean was perfectly placed but unfortunately it wasn't to be his day, finishing just off the podium in fourth.
"I'm really disappointed for the team tonight, the result doesn't reflect how well they rode. They all worked really hard and were in control of the race right up to the final meters. It's unfortunate but that's bunch sprinting, sometimes you need a bit of luck." Team manager – Roger Hammond
Click here for a full race report
Photos by Andy Jones