Sturridge’s final sprint seals a sweet victory
Slipstreamers host top national contest in Hillingdon
THE EYES of the British Cycling Youth Circuit were on Hillingdon as the Slipstreamers hosted the penultimate round of the series at Minet Park.
280 Cyclists travelled to West London from England, Wales and Scotland to compete in a variety of races being staged throughout the day.
The Girls A race featured Hillingdon Slipstreamer Lorna Bowler, currently sitting in the top 10 of the series standings, who looked to trouble the leaders in the early stages as she was part of a strong quartet who set the pace.
As the contest developed Hillingdon looked to implement their strategy into the race but a crash that brought down several riders disrupted their efforts. Ellie Russell, riding for Sportcity Velo, eventually won the race after a hotly-contested sprint finish.
The Girls B race also saw redemption for Becky Sturridge after she avenged her second-place finish last year with victory this time round to cement her place at the top of the standings.
She was involved a race-long battle with eventual runner-up Eve Barrow but put her all into the final lap to cross the line first.
The Boys B race was interrupted by the weather making conditions particularly challenging.
It was Matti Egglestone of Beacon Wheeler who coped best and timed his sprint finish to perfection to claim his third stage win following success in the Isle of Man and the North West.
The weekend’s action was rounded off by the Boys A race which was run at a strong pace from lap one.
The high octane tempo continued and riders struggled to make a break for it until Ben Barlow’s audacious attempt at a sprint-finish paid off.
The chasing pack were unable to reel him back in and Barlow completed an unlikely solo victory much to his delight.
Following a highly successful and enjoyable stage, hosted by the Hillingdon Slipstreamers, the final round of the series will take place in Scarborough on August 14th with prizes still up for grabs in several standings.