SUNDAY saw the 2015 edition of the Vale Road Race, hosted by Evesham Wheelers.
The event has made itself a popular early season Elite level competition and covers 62 miles over an undulating 4.5-lap course starting from Inkberrow.
On a typically cold and overcast spring day, the 70-strong field covered each lap in roughly 30 minutes, with several breaks forming for the duration.
Proceedings hotted up on the final lap when the winning seven-man break formed what went on to be a hotly-contested sprint finish in which David McGowan (Pedal Heaven RT) took victory by a tyre’s width from former Wheeler Ben Stockdale (SportGrub KUOTA Cycling Team), who rode a strong race, and Dale Appleby (NFTO) in third.
The main bunch followed one minute, 30 seconds later, sadly marred by a crash that saw Ben Carty being taken to Hospital.
The Wheelers would like to extend warm thanks to Kanes Foods for once again generously sponsoring the event.
The race at the halfway point. Picture by Richard Young. (s)