In a full gas sixth edition of the Women’s CiCLE Classic, first year senior, Maddie Leech, sprinted to 2nd place in a photo finish. Meanwhile, CAMS-Basso took the team prize and extended its lead in the National Road Series team standings.
© Bob MacGregor
With punchy hills and off road sectors, CiCLE Classic always provides action and entertainment. The race rolled out of Melton Mowbray with 107 starters, but it began to blow apart after about 30km of hard racing.
Attacks rained down as the peloton passed through the off road sectors and crested the bergs. When the bunch returned to Melton with 15km remaining, the group was down to about 35 riders.
Team Manager, Simon Howes commented, “Our plan was to work as a team, use our strength in numbers and make the race hard. We definitely achieved that. Maddie had a fantastic race. It’s only her first year racing as a senior and she showed great maturity.”
© Bob MacGregor
It was Leech’s first race back since suffering from concussion after a crash on the track 6 weeks ago. Her form unknown, she felt stronger and stronger as the race went on.
In the end, the race came down to the wire with a photo deciding the winner of the sprint. Maddie’s lunge for the line earned her 2nd place behind Josie Nelson from Team Coop.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect as it’s my first race back,” said Leech. “As we came into the last 5km I felt quite good so we worked as a team to move up. We got separated in the run up to the sprint so I weaved my way through to get to the front into the final corner. It was a strong team performance, we really played to our strengths during the race. I’m pleased I could finish it off with a podium for the team.”
© Bob MacGregor
With 7 riders finishing in the main bunch we were also the winning team on the day. Becky now sits 3rd in the individual National Road Series standings, whilst the team extended its lead in the team standings, taking a 59 point advantage into the Stockton GP on the 3 July.
Team Results:
2nd Maddie Leech
12th Sammie Stuart
13th Jess Finney
16th Danni Shrosbree
25th Becky Storrie
27th Beth Morrow
31st Katie Scott
DNF Sophie Lewis