A fast and furious race saw junior Will Stephenson (Bournemouth Arrow/Hotel Collingwood) taking victory right on the line.
Eamonn Deane writes… The fast moving scratch group was taking no prisoners tonight and the race was all together with more than three laps remaining. As soon as the catch was made, the attacks came thick and fast with slower riders were being shelled out the back!
Simon Willats (Ridebike.co.uk) escaped with three laps to go and with ever-fit teammates Roland Tilley & Mark Chadbourne riding shotgun the move was looking good. Hargroves Cycles pair, Luke Gray & series leader Jason Eastwood had other ideas and by the bell, Willats was back in the bunch.
Eastwood had won at the Mountbatten centre, Portsmouth the night before and must have been licking his lips at the bunch sprint that was about to unfold. National Under 23 Cyclo-Cross Champion, Luke Gray gave his teammate the perfect lead out but coming up fast and unnoticed on the inside was Stephenson.
The sixteen year old took it on the line from the sprint specialist Eastwood; the youngster is enjoying a great season and looked strong and confident in the dramatic finale. Tilley, consistent as ever, grabbed third in the exciting dash for the line.
Will Stephenson surprises Jason Eastwood in the sprint to the line. Photo Eamonn Deane, brought to you by www.sportsmassagebournemouth.co.uk
Provisional Result
1, WILL STEPHENSON (BOURNEMOUTH ARROW/HOTEL COLLINGWOOD)
2, JASON EASTWOOD (HARGROVES CYCLES)
3, ROLAND TILLEY (RIDEBIKE.CO.UK)
4, GREGG SHROSBREE (MERIDA)
5, STEVE DRING (TEAM ECHELON ROTOR)
6, JORDAN WADE (POOLE WHEELERS
7, SHAUN AMOR (UK BIKING)
8, JOHN HAYES (RIDEBIKE.CO.UK)
9, JOSH DAY (OFF CAMBER)
10, RYAN HASLER (CYCLE EXPERIENCE)
