Proceedings were once again blessed with a warm, balmy evening of high-speed racing as the road show came to Woking. The Surrey town saw some furious racing early on, which resulted in a crash involving Round 1 and 2 winners Graham Briggs and 2008 National Circuit racing champion Downing. However, both recovered their composure to play their part in another fantastic spectacle of city-centre bike racing.
After 20 minutes of racing a small group of four riders, containing Malcolm Elliot, escaped and stayed away for almost 10 laps until the Halfords train reeled them in coming through the second sprint of the night. By this point the field had started to fragment – due in part to crashes and some high-speed pain being dealt out by the Rapha – Condor, Candi TV – Marshalls Pasta and Halfords squads.
As the race reached 45 minutes Exeter-winner Downing was at the head of affairs driving another small group of five riders, which was followed by some furious attacks firing off the front. Racing then settled with five laps to go as a group of around 20 riders started to think about the final.
With four laps to go Dean Downing launched himself off the front – as racing was by now averaging 32mph – he quickly gained a gap of around 5 seconds, extending it to enable a glorious two-armed salute as he crossed the line alone.
Tony Gibb won the sprint for second, and Steven Adams took third, meaning that Plowman Craven – Madison won the team prize on the night, with Jeroen Janssen making up the three counters.
After three races of the 10-round Tour Series Rapha-Condor moved into the overall team leaders’ jerseys, with Candi TV-Marshalls Pasta moving down to second and Plowman Craven – Madison in third.
Individual Results – Round 3 – Woking 02.06.09
- 1. Dean Downing RAPHA-CONDOR
- 2. Tony Gibb PLOWMAN CRAVEN – MADISON
- 3. Steven Adams PLOWMAN CRAVEN – MADISON
- 4. Russell Downing CANDI TV – MARSHALLS PASTA
- 5. Rob Hayles TEAM HALFORDS-BIKEHUT
- 6. Yanto Barker SIGMA SPORT SPECIALIZED SPORTFUL
- 7. Jeroen Janssen PLOWMAN CRAVEN – MADISON
- 8. Tom Southam RAPHA-CONDOR
- 9. Simon Gaywood TEAM CORLEY CYCLES
- 10. Ian Wilkinson TEAM HALFORDS-BIKEHUT
Team Standings after Round 3
- 1. Rapha – Condor
- 2. Plowman Craven – Madison
- 3. Candi TV – Marshalls Pasta
- 4. Team Halfords Bikehut
- 5. Sports Beans – Wilier
- 6. Sigma Sport Cycling Team
- 7. BMC UK Racing Team
- 8. Team Corley Cycles
- 9. www.cyclingbargains.com
- 10. Endura Racing
