Tom Stewart continued Madison-Genesis’ recent purple patch after soloing to Tour Series round nine victory in Woking.
Stewart, 24, burst clear inside the final few laps to follow Tobyn Horton’s Tour Series and London Nocturne triumphs in the capital – while Roger Hammond’s squad also sealed team victory on the night.
Stewart rode aggressively throughout the round, joining a two-man break with Adam Blythe (NFTO) early in the race before getting himself into what proved to be the race-winning move.
An incredibly fast pace was set throughout on the Woking circuit, with Graham Briggs (Raleigh) setting the fastest lap of 1’43″.
The hot lap, however, was not enough to prevent Jon Mould (NFTO) from ensuring he will be crowned sprints champion this season – the Welshman now boasting a 22-point lead over Kristian House (Rapha Condor JLT), with Briggs a further two back.
Despite the pace, and his earlier exertions, Stewart burst clear late on and quickly earned a small gap.
Blythe and George Harper (Node4-Velosure) led the pursuit with two laps remaining, but Stewart’s move could not be countered, with the two having to settle for third and second respectively.
With Stewart’s team-mates Horton and Andy Tennant also in the chasing pack, Madison-Genesis were able to celebrate a third team win of this year’s Tour Series.
There was also cause for celebration for former Madison-Genesis man Dean Downing (NFTO), making his final Tour Series appearance and riding as a team-mate of brother Russell for the first time, who was given a fitting send-off in Woking.
The 39-year-old, who earned one of his five career Tour Series victories in Woking, in 2009, finished tenth to help lift the team to fourth on the night.
It is Rapha Condor JLT – who Downing helped to the 2011 title – who lead the way in the overall series with just the Jersey double-header to come, however.
Second on the night thanks to top-ten finishes for Briggs and Chris Opie means the ‘Men in Black’, who have been racing, instead, in the red and yellow jerseys of race leaders since round two, boat a 16-point advantage, with just a maximum 24 more points up for grabs.
Highlights of the Woking round of The Pearl Izumi Tour Series are on ITV4 at 8pm on Wednesday June 11, with a repeat at 12.50pm on Thursday June 12.
All of the highlights programmes are also available to view online and catch-up via the ITV Player.
Pearl Izumi Tour Series 2014: round four (Woking) – result
1) Tom Stewart (GBR) – Madison-Genesis
2) George Harper (GBR) –Node4-Velosure
3) Adam Blythe (GBR) – NFTO Pro Cycling
4) Tobyn Horton (GBR) – Madison-Genesis
5) Graham Briggs (GBR) – Rapha Condor JLT
6) Andy Tennant (GBR) – Madison-Genesis
7) Matthieu Boulo (FRA) – Team Raleigh
8) Chris Opie (GBR) – Rapha Condor JLT
9) Morgan Kniesky (FRA) – Team Raleigh
10) Dean Downing (GBR) – NFTO Pro Cycling
Overall team standings
1) Rapha Condor JLT – 106pts
2) Madison Genesis – 90pts
3) Team Raleigh – 82pts
4) NFTO Pro Cycling – 73pts
5) Node4 Velosure – 61pts
6) Metaltek Kuota – 45pts
7) Starley Primal Pro Cycling – 39pts
8) Pedal Heaven Colbornes – 38pts
9) Great Britain – 36pts
