Follow britishcycling.org.uk on 
Springtime Pursuit No 3
Story posted March 8, 2010; by Jack Baker | Photos by Ann Owens
Matthew Hill (Mid Devon CC) secured a series win in the Mid Devon Cycling Club's Springtime Pursuits yesterday with his second race victory. With yet another solo effort; Hill knew as soon as he crossed the line that without a doubt he would be walking away with the trophy that afternoon.
The riders began the race faced with a headwind and being the last pursuit for 2010, the pace was at its fastest of all the races so far. Despite the wind, no group was avoiding working together and at the second corner, after the riders had had the wind at their backs, the differences between the groups seemed much the same at the time check.
It was at the end of the first lap, after a large stint into the headwind, that the differences in the pace of the groups was clearly apparent. Despite the disarray in group 1 after the sprint for first prime, won by Peter Robinson (Somerset RC), group 2 were only up 20 seconds on them. This contrasted with group 3, where the Mid Devon riders had been working hard for Hill so he could catch group 1. They were up about 40 seconds on group 2, leaving them 1:10 to make up overall. Groups 5 and 6 were still some way behind the leaders but the riders in the scratch group were working furiously to catch them with Gary Chambers, (South Fork Racing), being a main contender for the trophy.
The second prime was taken by Jonathan Aske (Mid Devon CC) as group 1 took the turn to begin lap 3. Meanwhile groups 3 and 4 were breathing down the necks of group 2. It was at the 'Jack in the Green' public house at the beginning of lap 3 that their hard work paid off despite being still 55 seconds from group 1. A bit later, the scratch group caught group 5 coming back past the airport and around the same time, groups 2, 3 and 4 caught group 1.
As the prime approached, Matt Hill made his move and broke free from the main group. After winning the prime, the wind in his face, Hill carried his effort on to solo all the way to the finish, triumphant once again. The fight for second was won by Sam Deakin (Somerset RC) 19 seconds later with James Lowsley-Williams (Agisko-Viner) coming in just 3 seconds later. The first group home was led in by Ashley Watts (Mid Devon CC) 30 seconds after Hill.
Results:
1. Matthew Hill Mid Devon CC 1:34.49
2. Samuel Deakin Somerset RC @ 19 secs
3. James Lowsley-Williams Agisco-Viner @ 22 secs
4. Ashley Watts Mid Devon CC @ 30 secs
5. Jason Perry Cardiff Jif/Cyclopedia
6. Sam Anstice Cwmcarn
7. Ian Fensome Exeter Wheelers CC
8. Brennan Townshend Mid Devon CC
9. Shaun Green Army Cycling Union
10. Richard Taylor Exeter Wheelers CC
11. Simon Phillips Unattached
12. Stephen Chmiewliski Team Tor 2000 all same time
SLIDESHOW FOR THE SPRINGTIME PURSUIT #3
Ladies Race
There was a good field on the start line for the ladies race in the final Mid Devon Cycling Club Springtime Pursuit for 2010 on Sunday. The main field stayed together until the first prime which was hotly duelled for by six of the riders. After being won by Miriam Freemantle (Team Tor 2000), the six stayed together for a time, while the other six worked well behind to try and rejoin the leaders. Towards the beginning of the second lap, two riders in the front six were dropped and eventually fell back to the chase group.
The four leaders then stayed together until the final drag up to the finish where Ali Holland (Shred Racing) won the final prime. It was here that Freemantle, then Mariann Britain (Max Gear) fell behind their rivals. The finish ended with a very close sprint between Holland and Angharad Mason (Forza) which ended in victory for Mason. Mariann Britain followed these two in 25 seconds later with victory in the series going to Holland having won the two previous pursuits.
Results:
1. Angharad Mason Forza 1:13.53
2. Ali Holland Shred Racing same time
3. Mariann Britain Max Gear @25 secs
4. Miriam Freemantle Team Tor 2000 @37 secs
5. Fiona Telfer-Bruton One and All Cycling @1:07
6. Gail Aspden Penzance Wheelers same time
Related Link
