A Busy Three Weeks
Since the East Cleveland Classic, it’s been non-stop for the team. Various races across the UK and Europe have provided challenges and incredible opportunities to showcase teamwork, resilience, and strength.
Starting with the Dave Peck Memorial Race, where Charlotte emerged victorious from the breakaway, setting the tone for the upcoming weeks. Simultaneously, Tammy won the Oakenclough road race from a 2-up breakaway, with Robyn also winning the bunch sprint for 3rd.
The team then headed to Luxembourg for the CERATIZIT Festival Elsy Jacobs (UCI 1.2), two consecutive one-day races. Up against strong opposition, including teams such as SD Worx and Uno-X Mobility to name but a few, the riders demonstrated exceptional strength, determination, and cohesion, resulting in a strong 8th place for Mia on the second day.
The journey continued into Belgium, with three races to follow, commencing with the Cyclis Classic (UCI 1.2). Again, the riders worked incredibly well together, positioning well all day. Alice and Mia were well supported and in a great position heading into the finish. A mass crash at the line hampered our chances at a top result, whilst unfortunately involving Mia and Robyn. Despite the chaos, Alice secured an impressive 11th place with Tiff just behind in 14th.
Following the Cyclis Classic, Robyn underwent successful collarbone surgery and will now commence a period of recovery and rehabilitation. Mia has returned home and has since resumed training. She’ll be back on the start-line in the coming weeks.
After a brief respite, the team tackled GP Eco-Struct (UCI 1.1), featuring some challenging cobbled sectors and some of the peloton’s top sprinters. Nora sprinted to 11th in a hectic finale, with Sophie, Caoimhe, and Tiff finishing in the select front group.
Our final race of this European block was the Trofee Maarten Wynants (UCI 1.1). A strong showing of teamwork from Lucy, Tiff, and Caoimhe to position Sophie for the sprint was disrupted by a crash in the closing kilometres. Sophie was unfortunately taken down but is thankfully ok. The team rallied together with Caoimhe able to contest the sprint and finish inside the top 20, a great result.
The team is now poised for a busy month of racing, building upon the momentum and achievements gained so far. With the Lincoln Grand Prix this coming weekend, before heading back to Belgium for the Antwerp Port Epic Ladies (UCI 1.1), the riders will be looking to build upon recent successes before we head to our first World Tour race of the season, The Ford Ride London Classique.
Photos: Moritz Sauer
