28, 29, 30 August 2010

Rebecca Ransom

Stage 5

Road Race 60 Miles

Taking off from the Nantyglo HQ, the 90 riders embarked on a 60 mile cycle that would take them across the Heads of the Valleys and around Brecon before finishing with a steep 400m climb to the Tumble summit.

 Dan McLay, Hargroves Cycles is currently leading in the general classification with Sam Harrison, Wales behind in second. Riding close in the neutralized zone, riders appear confident as they chat amongst themselves, and some burst into song. Reaching the highest point of the Heads of the Valleys, the race begins with the wave of the Welsh flag. An immediate attack forms between the Glendene CC  and Herbal Life/Wheelbase teams with a chasing group of 12 riders, who catch up as the race heads into Merthyr Tydfil, forming a 25 second lead.

 Civilian cars cause problems as they get caught up in the convoy. A steady climb towards Baverstock summit and Hugo Humphries, London Road Juniors, joins the leading group crossing the gap. The race widens heading to Hirwaun with a 1 minute 40 second distance between the lead group and the tailing riders.

 As the race takes the scenic route through Cefn Cadlan Josh Edmonson makes a remarkable journey over a 2 minute 40 second distance to join the lead pack and takes control of the race. Sheep cause chaos across the moorlands at 23 miles into the race, as they get caught in the spokes, taking down four riders. Luke Cornish, Wales, suffered badly and remained on the floor before the medic van arrived and took him to Prince Charles Hospital. Jack Barrett and Matthew Hamilton both from Scotland managed to get back up and continue with the race, lagging behind the lead group.

 Taking the descent, the pace picks up but travelling along the lakeside Alex Murrison Glendene CC/Ridley/Vitesse/OCE suffers a puncture and drops back, but manages to recover rejoining the lead pack later on. Just after the feed zone Jamie Shirlaw and Simon Yates battle to join the lead group where they remain for the rest of the race.

 As we begin the climb to the Tumble Summit, Josh Edmonson, Motorpoint Marshall Pasta and Matt Hill, Team South West break away and create a two-man race to the summit.  Edmonson sets the pace and crosses the line in first position, claiming victory for the second year of Stage 5. Matt Hill comes in behind in second position with Simon Yates and George Pearl in third and fourth respectively.

The Junior Tour of Wales is promoted by C.C. Blaenau Gwent formerly known as Abertillery Wheelers under Welsh Cycling and British Cycling Regulations.

C.C. Blaenau Gwent are grateful to the many other clubs who assist every year.