Matt Holmes took overall victory at the Totnes-Vire two day with Gruff Lewis third, as team work paid dividends in Devon.
Matt Holmes took overall victory at the Totnes-Vire two day with Gruff Lewis third, as team work paid dividends in Devon.
Holmes sealed the win on the third and final stage, making the main group and sprinting to third place – but it was the erosion of overnight leader Adria Moreno (Raleigh GAC) that set up the opportunity of victory.
Entering the race, the team knew they would have to expose the Raleigh GAC squad – but nowhere was that more important than on the final 72-mile test.
Madison Genesis went to the front in force to bring back the days breakaway and on a hairpin bend forced a split in the bunch.
Holmes was caught in the third group on the road – but more importantly so was Moreno – and as race leader, it was his responsibility to regain contact.
Holmes could conserve his energy as the groups were brought back together by a hard-charging Raleigh GAC squad.
However, in the closing stages of the race, Raleigh’s leader was exposed once more and, with his energies already depleted, Holmes could capitalise on the groundwork done by his teammates earlier in the stage and make it into the lead group on the road, as the overnight leader lost crucial seconds.
Following the win, Holmes was quick to praise the team which rode so strongly to dominate a race which was tough to control.
“I couldn’t have won without such a strong team – on Saturday we rode well as a unit and didn’t miss a move and then we backed it up with good time-trials by everyone” Holmes explained.
“That meant we had options going into the final stage and Matt Cronshaw’s plan of action meant the guys ripped the race to pieces in the final lap, while I sat back and saved my legs. It was great to watch and really nice to be a protected rider.
“On a personal level I’m just happy to have won something for the first time since I was a junior! But looking ahead this race has been good preparation for the events coming up. The way we rode gives us confidence in our abilities and how powerful riding smart can be.”
Holmes started the three-stage race with a second place in the opening road race, finishing the 57-miles behind Dexter Gardias (Pedal Heaven), as the duo sprinted to the line ahead of a much-depleted chase group. The ride put him in prime position to contest the overall standing and following a strong time-trial, the chance to take the yellow jersey remained alive.
Result – Totnes-Vire two day
1. Matt Holmes
2. Alex Paton (Pedal Heaven)
3. Gruff Lewis
Images: Larry Hickmott - Velo UK