Charles Walker times his winning move to perfection
Charles Walker (Catford CC Equipe/Banks) charged clear to take victory in a wet round eight of the South Staffordshire & Shropshire Road Race League, writes Ben Goddard.
The 19-year-old, from Stourbridge, timed his effort to perfection – catching two breakaway leaders and powering to victory.
It was Kirk Vickers, from Wem, who had launched an early bid for home joined by Josh Yates (Mammoth Lifestyle).
The pairing nearly made it to the finish only to be caught by a charging Walker metres before the line with Vickers taking second. Despite wet and cold conditions 54 riders took to the start in Penkridge to complete five laps of a rolling circuit which included a main road climb making a total distance of 33 miles.
The first group away in the handicap format had an eight-minute advantage over the last group but due to the conditions and the speed of the chasers the race was together on the penultimate lap. Overall leader Ben Joughin (Pro Vision Racing) sprinted home in sixth position but saw his advantage shrink slightly as second-placed Matthew Morris (Wolverhampton Whls) finished a place ahead of him.
Fastest junior Alfie Mortimer (Mid Shropshire Whls) showed his consistency with a 10th place finish. Steph Clayton (Mammoth Lifestyle) was fastest woman finishing in 33rd.
