East Cleveland Classic, 13th April

The National Road Race Series returned to East Cleveland on what now seems like a very familiar circuit, and one which will form the basis for another visit later in the year for the Tour of Britain.

Having dominated the opening races of the season it was inevitable that the competition would look to neutralise the team’s efforts and so it proved as the peloton generally remained intact as the race entered the final lap.

Whilst we’ve now become accustomed to races splintering on the circuit’s stand-out Saltburn Bank climb and finishing in solo breakaways, with teams marshalling the front, a large group fought for victory up the final ascent.

Having been very effectively supported by the team throughout the race, series leader Lucy Harris battled hard to retain her white jersey, eventually finishing 13th, 16 seconds behind winner Alice McWilliam who also took the jersey for the next round.

Bexy 17th at 0:20, Grace 29th at 0:30, Annabel 39th at 00:58, Lucy Gadd 46th at 1:25, Niamh 48th at 1:29 and Jo 52nd at 2:51 rounded out the team’s performance.

Words Adam Winfield, Through the Lens - Photo Andy Smith Photography