Round nine of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series saw the riders battling round a technical 1.4 kilometre city centre circuit in Woking. With four hairpin corners per lap and a strong wind, the evening's race was always going to be difficult.
Posted On: 13th June, 2013
Round nine of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series saw the riders battling round a technical 1.4 kilometre city centre circuit in Woking. With four hairpin corners per lap and a strong wind, the evening's race was always going to be difficult. The historical fact of, “the breakaway survives to the finish on this circuit” served only to add to the stresses of an already difficult night.
From the off there were numerous attacks with Jack Pullar attentive from the start and the effervescent Dean Downing also ready to join the correct breakaway group. As the minutes ticked away and we approached the mid-point of the race, the constant pressure took its toll. First we lost Jack then Liam had a mechanical problem. With no laps out allowed for anything but a broken frame or wheel, Liam had to struggle round on the 11 sprocket.
With the team under pressure Dean single-handedly controlled the front of the race on behalf of Madison Genesis making sure we were always present near the front. Oddly enough despite the challenging conditions the main group (albeit significantly reduced in size) stayed together for a bunch sprint. Ed Clancy took the win with Dean Downing grabbing another podium place in third. Madison Genesis maintained their third place overall in the series.
"Tonight was a difficult one for the team, it seemed like we struggled to get going. Despite the difficult evening, Dean is in the form of his life and pulled another great result out of the bag. With only two rounds left we will try to push for second place overall." Team Manager – Roger Hammond
Click here for a full race report
Photos by Larry Hickmott
