Cycling: Energy dominate Anglesey contest

Jun 24 2009

TEXTBOOK tactics coupled with some selfless teamwork gave Energy Cycles a clean sweep in the latest round of the Ynys Môn Island Games Cycling Association race under TLI regulations at Track Môn, Rhosneigr last Wednesday evening.

The previous round’s winner, Harry Wickham, again clinched first place, this time out-sprinting team-mate Gareth McGuinness of Llanrug, with fellow Energy Cycles riders Eric Degolier and Harvey Wharton crossing the line 45 seconds later to claim third and fourth.

This result disguises the true nature of the race however, which was first animated by these four riders plus Clwb Rasio Mona riders Iwan Parry and Rob Mansell.

This six-man break away had formed by the end of the second lap, and worked well together to pull away from the chasing pack.

Back in the bunch Rhos-on-Sea riders mustered their massed ranks to try and reel in this break, though the attentions of Wayne Owen and Dewi Jones (both Energy Cycles) disrupted their ambitions.

Therefore the six-man break worked together until the end of the eighth lap gaining a maximum lead of one minute and 32 seconds.

At this point the leading Energy riders started to whittle the leading group down with a series of attacks.

For the first few both CRM riders clawed their way back, though as a result of this relentless counter-attacking Mansell was eventually dropped, followed by Iwan Parry as he suffered from cramp after 11 laps.

The last four laps were nothing like a procession however, as Wharton and Degolier frantically tried to catch Wickham and McGuinness who had managed to get a few seconds clear. The two leading team-mates were simply too strong and gradually increased their lead before sprinting against each other for the win.

The next round will be on Wednesday, July 15, with signing on from 6pm at the Ty Croes Race Track, Anglesey or phone organiser Dewi Jones on 07733 121585 for further details.