Mixed Fortunes in Round One of the Tour Series

The 2021 Tour Series got underway in Guisborough, North Yorkshire on Sunday, the first of three city-centre events this week.

The Saint Piran men’s team of Stephen Bradbury, Iwan Evans, Jacob Hennessy, Tom Mazzone and Jenson Young started in a field of 65 riders from 13 teams.

Jacob Hennessy started strongly, alongside Tom Mazzone, joining a 20-man break early on. However, the race changed in dramatic fashion when Jacob was caught in a crash and the peloton split. With all Saint Piran riders caught behind the crash, it was always going to be a big ask to get back in the mix.

At the finish line, Tom Mazzone was Saint Piran’s highest finisher in 18th place, followed by Stephen Bradbury in 23rd. Youngsters Jenson Young and Ewan Evans both finished the race, a particular credit to Iwan, participating in his first race at this level.

The women’s race, saw Saint Piran WRT making their debut in the event. Lucia Bruton, Emily Chilton, Bexy Drew, Rachel Galler and Evie Lane were in a field of 75, with Bexy our highest placed rider in 24th place. For Emily and Rachel, the event marked their debut in Saint Piran colours and the fact that all riders finished was a credit to the team.

The series now moves on to Sunderland on Tuesday 10th August on a course that the organisers say will deliver:

“ Fast and aggressive riding, owing to the city’s four-corner circuit based around the stunning Mowbray Park… the 1.3-kilometre (0.8-mile) circuit is expected to produce the fastest lap times in the 2021 series, the uphill drag on Burdon Road will take its toll during the course of the races and could well be the launchpad for the race-winning move.”

Highlights of Sunday’s stage can we seen on ITV4 at 7pm today (Monday).