Report & Result – Alexandra Women’s Tour of the Reservoir

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Nicola Juniper won the first ever Alexandra Women’s Tour of the Reservoir in Northumberland on Saturday, April 12

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Report & Result – Alexandra Women’s Tour of the Reservoir
Startsheet – click to view

Thanks to Graham Harper for being my pilot and getting the pictures of the race.

Nicola Juniper won the first ever Alexandra Women’s Tour of the Reservoir in Northumberland on Saturday, April 12, after escaping in a five rider group before the two strongest riders rode away from the rest and were never seen again.

Alex Peters wins stage 7 Reservoir

In a tough race which many of the riders welcomed, in cold windy but dry conditions, the field of 50 or so riders left Blanchland and very quickly some riders were in trouble. To begin with the action was all at the back but then in the second half of the race, five riders escaped including Juniper and Shaw along with Amy Hill, Hannah Walker and Jo Tindley.

Only Shaw and Juniper were strong enough to stay clear and for two laps of the tough Reservoir circuit they resisted the chase from behind. A few miles before the sprint, it was clear that Juniper was the stronger as she distanced Shaw a little on one of the climbs.

Alex Peters wins stage 5 Reservoir

Juniper and Shaw putting a lot of daylight between themselves and the peloton

It was the same in the sprint with Juniper crossing the line delighted with her biggest ever victory and Shaw equally pleased with her performance.

Alex Peters wins stage 10 Reservoir

Molly Weaver (3rd), Nicola Juniper and Alexia Shaw (2nd)

Reservoir_Womens_01

Women’s race leaves Blanchland

Alex Peters wins stage 3 Reservoir

Jo Tindley giving chase for Matrix Fitness

Alex Peters wins stage 4 Reservoir

Natalie Creswick on the attack to chase the two leaders.

Alex Peters wins stage 6 Reservoir

With Epic Cycles team the dominant one in the race, the chase didn’t have the firepower to bring the two leaders back.

Alex Peters wins stage 8 Reservoir

Molly Weaver wins the uphill sprint for third

Alex Peters wins stage 9 Reservoir

Chloe Frazer of Deeside Thistle beats Alice Cobb (Squadra Donne) to the line for 5th place.

Alex Peters wins stage 2 Reservoir

A lap into the race and all quiet on the front as Cyclo-cross star Helen Wyman makes the pace.

Nicola Juniper – “That is my biggest ever win and in my first year in a  pro team with awesome teammates. They really looked after me today. Dame Sarah Storey and Barney over in Mexico (Paracycling Worlds) told me there was no reason I could not podium so I hope I have done them proud.”

“To know they believe in mean to do this today is absolutely awesome. I would have never dream of this.”

“Four riders got away and I bridged the gap, and I felt really strong. I was trying to get them to come through and it was obvious that Alexie and I were the two strongest. Alexie is an old teammate and we always worked really well together. I have led her out for many a sprint so I was concerned about the finish. I could not have wished to be away with a better person. ”

“It was a very tough course and the tougher courses suit me. I can ride in the wind and I feel I’m a powerful climber and it’s courses like this that women’s cycling needs. We don’t want all flat courses and pootle around. We want tough courses so we can show we can race courses like that and put on a good show.”

Nicola said finally that she wishes Sarah good luck in Mexico at the paracycling Worlds.

Results

STRICTLY PROVISIONAL
1. Nicola Juniper, Pearl Izumi
2. Alexie Shaw, Epic Cycles
3. Molly Weaver, Epic Cycles
4. Hannah Walker, Epic Cycles
5. Chloe Frazer, Deeside Thistle,
6. Alice Cobb, Squadra Donne
7. Lowri Devey, Abergavenny RC
8. Laura Massey, Epic Cycles
9. Amy Hill, Fusion RT
10. Helen Ralston, Les Filles RT
11. Even Dixon, Team 22
12. Gabriella Shaw, Pearl Izumi
13. Jo Tindley, Matrix Fitness
14. Ella Hopkins, Epic Cycles
15. Anna Christian, Epic Cycles
16. Natalie Creswick, Mulebar
17. Helen Wyman, Kona
18. Natalie Grinczer, Fusion
19. 70
20. Dani Christmas, Speg
21. Rebecca Dixon, Dundee Thistle RC
22. Rebecca Womersley, Wyndymilla
23. Jennifer Hudson, VC ST Raphael
24. Tanya Griffiths, Starley Primal
25. Joanne Blackeley, GB Cycles

…

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