This was the 2nd event of The HSBC Grand Prix Series, 176km on Rolling roads.
Whilst the race doesn’t have any serious climbs, the main circuit is constantly up and down and the roads twist and turn stringing out the 135 rider bunch.
An early move of 11 riders formed and gradually pulled away from the bunch. The break gained a maxmium lead of 3.55 min. After 140km the race headed back into Stockton town centre for the finish circuit. The gap had been brought down significantly to little more than 1 minute. With 10km to go all the early escapees had been brought back into the bunch.
This set the race up for a big bunch sprint. Jake muscled his way as far forward as was possible and finished 19th. A solid result, and an indicator Jake’s form was on the up.
Joe, Liam and Tim finished a little further back in the bunch. Charlie had a tough 30km chase after being caught in a crash, despite of his determination to make it back into the race, Charlie didn’t quite get there. Great effort and valuable experience.
Well done lads.
*photo credit velouk.net