SAINT PIRAN WIN THE TOTNES-VIRE 2 DAY STAGE RACE
Saint Piran cycling team have enjoyed a successful start to their season securing one of the biggest possible wins in the national calendar. Will Harper secured the overall victory to top the podium for the Totnes Vire two-day stage race, largely regarded by many in the sport as the most prestigious cycling race in the South West.
The victory marked what was the perfect start to the season for Saint Piran, amongst a world class field, including that of Marcin Bilaboki, who finished eighth in last year’s time trial at the World Cycling Championships.
In addition, Saint Piran claimed the team win at the event in a dramatic finish that saw their general classification rider Harper grab a deserved stage win. Having controlled the race for large periods, by closing down key attacks and moves, Harper attacked with just three laps to go, overseeing the other three riders and winning in an exciting sprint finish on the line.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “I have never been involved in such a well drilled team performance. The guys gave absolutely everything for me and I'm so happy I managed to repay them with a win in the South West's biggest race. I want to thank all our sponsors for their help- none of this would be possible without them.”
Harper’s win comes at an exciting time for the Saint Piran team who also produced an impressive performance at this weekend’s Rutland-Melton Cicle classic, a prestigious UCI race attracting many of the world’s best teams.
The performances come just a few days after they announced that they have joined up with new partners Healey’s Cyder Farm to run a Cornwall based sportive – the Rattler Pro Ride on the 8th and 9th of September.
Hosted by Rattler Cornish Cloudy Cyder, in association with Saint Piran, it is a sportive with a distinctly competitive element in the heart of Cornwall and pro riders from the UK's top teams will take part against eager competitors.
Steve Lampier, professional rider and team manager of Saint Piran, said: “I am really excited to be part of the rattler pro ride, and to be to sharing the beautiful roads of Cornwall where I learnt my craft as a professional cyclist. Starting at the iconic Healey's Cyder Farm and finishing with a cold Rattler, what better way to end a ride! I am looking forward to working with the team at Healey’s Cyder Farm to grow this event over the coming years.”
It is anticipated that the route will feature a number of challenging ascents for the pro riders and daring participants, however the sportive also wants to attract the whole family to take part, with the option of a 25-mile route on Saturday and kids 'race a pro' events on a closed circuit on Sunday 9 September.
Saint Piran and Healeys’ plan is to grow the event annually in order to create a sustainable revenue stream for the team and all ticket sale proceeds are being donated to Saint Piran.
For more information contact Saint Piran PR Manager, Pete Maxwell, via pete@petemaxwellpr.com / 07841 464482.
