Suffolk cyclists are inspired by Women’s Tour appearance as they race at Trinity Park

The start of the Youth A race (Image: Archant)

Riders were buoyed and enthused by the country’s best ladies swooping through Suffolk in the Women’s Tour of Britain earlier in the day.

Thankfully the grey skies and threat of rain didn’t release a downpour on the riders that experienced a condensed, sharper circuit than week one at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

The evening opened for younger riders aged 6-14yrs in the Go Ride category with a mix of circuit racing and Time Trialling.

Moving to the larger, sharper circuit the Novice categorised Go Race saw riders split into groups early on.

High speed and repeated cornering tested the riders pace and a strong group of eight formed ahead of the main field, reducing to six ahead of the bunch sprint which was secured by Chris Crabtree of Ipswich Velo.

The competitive Youth field saw solo domination in the A category by Kieran Jarvis from St Ives while being chased by lone rider Adam Colbert of Ipswich Bicycle Club.

Colbert displayed a courageous effort following a nasty fall, re-joining the race in the bunch and fighting back to seal second while nursing some wounds.

In the Women’s race, a duo broke away working hard together with their efforts rewarded with the top places on the podium. Winner Gemma Melton attributed her victory to the inspiration she drew from watching the Women’s Tour earlier in the day.

Spectators of the racing auditorium were treated to a display of team strategy in the E1234 Open event, with an average speed of 24mph.

Week one winner Grant Martin, from the Ipswich BC, attacked successfully and rode solo for five laps for an unassailable victory.

Behind him numerous attempts by Gareth Turner of Bath, Paul Wright of Fast Test and Norfolk-based team Strada Sport were covered by Martin’s Ipswich team-mates. The next round is this evening at Trinity Park.