Saint Piran in action in France

This week Saint Piran, are in France for the Tour du Loire at Cher stage race, which runs from 13th to 17th April.

Starting in Blois, just over 100 miles south west of Paris, the UCI Category 2.2 race covers a total of 892km (554 miles) over five days. The longest stage, at 220km (137-miles) from Cloy-sur-le-Loir to Vendome, comes on day three of the race.

Six Saint Piran riders – Stephen Bradbury, Jake Crossley, Michael Gill, Leon Mazzone, Tom Mazzone and Charles Page - line up alongside strong Continental opposition

Speaking before the start, Saint Piran Sporting Director, Steve Lampier, said:

“We’re looking to have a rider finish in the top 10 overall in the final general classification, and to have some good individual stage results. This event leads us into a really important block of races, including the Tour Series, so this race is perfect preparation.”

After the first stage, 161km from Blois to Fontaines-en-Sologne, Saint Piran lies a very respectable fourth out of 25 in the team classification. Stephen Bradbury (20th) and Tom Mazzone (21st) were the two top-placed riders from the Cornish outfit, crossing the line in a bunch sprint at the end of the stage. 145 riders completed the course out of 148 starters.

Stephen Bradbury described the race succinctly as: “Hectic – very hectic! It was on small roads and everyone was fighting, but we made it through.”

Tomorrow’s 203km stage runs from Les-Controls-en-Sologne to Vallieres-les-Grandes.