Brutal week earns third

Cycling

Adalta CC riders Ken Jones, Wayne Beba, Rod Archibald, Keith Watson and Alex Baker took on the epic Haute Route in France. Covering 922k over seven days with 21,541 metres of climbing, the event is a huge test for any rider. Stage 1 saw all of the riders complete the route from Nice to Pra Loup in 30 degree heat. The second included a brutal climb up the Granon with 12k at 8.5%. The next day covered 110k and 3,200m of climbing from Serre Chevalier to Alpe d’huez. Unfortunately, due to an ongoing injury, Jones had to retire. A time-trial up Alpe d’huez was next for the riders with Watson and Archibald fairing well in the overall standings and the team sitting fourth. Stage 5, the Queen stage, covered 184k with 4,600m of climbing, followed the next day with 146k from Megeve to Morzine. Baker took a tumble on the wet descent putting a disappointing end to his efforts. The final day saw the team arrive in Geneva with Watson highest-placed team rider overall in 19th, Archibald finishing 22nd and Beba in 39th. The riders took third place as a team after a brutal seven days.

Stuart Baldwin and Ciaran O’grady had a full weekend of racing at the Giles Ree Memorial three-day event. Stage 1 was an all-out TT around Cyclopark followed by a Crit race. Both riders finished the day in the top half of the overall. The second day was a road race at Newdigate with Baldwin sprinting to sixth place. The final stage was a hilly road race at Ladies Mile. O’grady put in a huge effort to get into a break and was rewarded with fourth on the stage, securing fifth overall across the event.

Robinson and Jamie Davies-evans fought the heat in Albi for the UCI Grand Fondo Finals. One hundred degree heat and lack of water at the stops meant that the riders suffered. DaviesEvans retired at 100k with Robinson making it across the line to finish.

Thomson finished 10th in the 4th Cat Development race at Cyclopark with Ciaran O’grady sixth in the E/1/2/ race.