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17th CIRCUIT DES PLAGES VENDENNES SERIES
Chantonay, 25nd February 2003 (137km)

The penultimate event of this year�s Plages Vendennes series of races was something of a shock for the riders, with a circuit of five hills presenting an unrelenting challenge for everyone, after six successive flat courses. Great Britains�s two most experienced European campaigners, Kristian House and Tom Southam got their teeth into the predictably jumpy early action, covering most of the breaks and were ultimately unlucky to miss the one that counted, when eleven riders went clear, including representatives from most of the big teams.

With the rest of the Great Britain team struggling, Tom and Kristian were left to initiate what chasing there was, but could do no more than hold the break at just over a minute to the finish. House was well placed in the final gallop recording a top twenty-five placing on the day. Southam also finished, with the rest of the GB riders pulling out as this tough early-season event took its toll.

Southam and House are now looking to Sunday and the Circuit de la Vall�e de la Loire, where the racing season proper starts. Southam will be riding for his old Nantes 44 club in the race and will be looking to make an early impression in the year when he must realistically secure a Pro contract if he is to fulfil his talent.

 1. NAULLEAU Alexandre   Vend�e U 3 h 26'15" 
 2. GUILLOME Christophe  VC Roubaix m.t 
 3. GENAUZEAU Benoit     France Track 16" 

24. HOUSE Kristian       Great Britain
31. SOUTHAM Tom          Great Britain 

Team News: The only non-starter on the day was Tony Gibb, who has a mild throat infection. Travelling "trainer" Keiran Page continues to plough his lonely furrow, training whilst the rest of the team race, following a wrist injury, and is getting fitter by the day.

That Cummings Win: Manager John Herety was still buzzing from Steve Cumming�s win in Sunday�s round of the Plages Vendennes series. Many have admired Cumming�s class, which has shone through on the track in the last couple of years, where he has made a significant contribution to GB�s Team Pursuit success. However, wins on the road have been mysteriously absent, until Sunday that is. John summed up the performance succinctly: "It was lashing down with rain all day, yet Steve and the other two in the break averaged 47kph. It was a fantastic ride. He�s the class act of his generation amongst British riders!"

RIDERS
Bryan Steel
Steve Cummings
Tony Gibb
Kristian House
Russell Anderson
Owyn Wallace
Tom Southam
Tom White
Kieran Page

SUPPORT TEAM
John Herety (Team Manager)
Robyn Taylor (Team Masseur)
Mark Ingham (Team Mechanic)
Rod Ellingworth (Coach)
Gavin King (Physiotherapist)
Nigel Mitchell (Nutrition)

RACE PROGRAM
Feb 20, Givrand-Givrand (VENDENNES SERIES)
Feb 22, La Garnache (VENDENNES SERIES)
Feb 23, St-Jean de Monts (VENDENNES SERIES)
Feb 25, Chantonay (VENDENNES SERIES)
Feb 27, St-Gilles Croix de Vie (VENDENNES SERIES)
March 2, Circuit de la Vall�e de la Loire

� British Cycling 2002/2003