Riders miss out in big race

By workex2

RIDERS from Lichfield City Cycling Club descended on the Curborough circuit for Sutton CC Giro Club's annual event of three weekends of racing last Saturday, writes Hannah Chawner .

Lee Westwood, Stewart Clayton and James Newey started off the day with a one-hour race.

Westwood and Clayton were in a couple of breakaways and Newey rode strongly throughout. But with all of the breakaways nullified, the race was down to a bunch finish.

The three riders were in contention until Newey was brought down at the hairpin with two laps to go. Westwood and Clayton avoided the melee, but narrowly missed out on honours.

The result was disappointing after a strong ride with Westwood clearly the class rider of the field.

Graham Truelove had been expected to join them in the race but suffered concussion and had needed stitches to his forehead after a fall in damp conditions earlier in the morning.

Sophie and Emily Capewell finished well among the girls in the youth events of the National Series, but the pace was too hot and they were behind the main group.

In the under-14s race, Jacob Kelly gave another gutsy performance and was able to fight his way to contest the finish after becoming detached from the main group for two laps.

Meanwhile, the Capewell sisters and Kelly also represented Lichfield on Sunday at the Newcastle track for the final qualifying round for the National Omnium final.

Sophie took fourth in the TT, an excellent performance from Emily won her first place in her heat, while Kelly was narrowly beaten in his heat.

All three featured in the overall points and are waiting to find out if they have qualified for the final, at Manchester Velodrome, on August 8.