Race Report - National Series round 3 2016 - Cardiff

The British National circuit race series came closer to home with the third round

being held in the centre of Cardiff. The roads were closed off to traffic in Cardiff’s

Civic Centre for the weekend for the National Series on the Saturday along with the

Velothon on Sunday. A number of Towy Riders who are competing at national level

this year made the journey along the M4 to race. The racing was held on a twisting

course which proved to be extremely technical under the wet conditions. Up first

were the under 14 girls who saw the field stretched on the opening lap, with Rosie

Finucane coming down heavily on a tight hairpin. She managed to get some quick

medical attention and was able to bravely continue but was out of contention. The

other three Towies had made the important split in the field and tried several attacks

to get away. The race came down to a sprint for the line with the riders battling for

position into the final corner. Emma Finucane left it late to take a fantastic 2 nd place

with a great performance by Amy Cole powering up from behind for a brilliant 4 th

place. Danni Parker was in contention until the final corner where she came down

heavily, but managed to get back up and ride over the line to still claim a top ten

finish. Nearly 80 riders lined up for the under 14 boys with positioning in the race

being key. The riders set a frenetic pace from the start with attack and counter attack

and numerous crashes. Guto Dafydd came down in the first lap and was able to take

a brief pit stop but was unable to change gear. Despite this he was able to re-join the

race and got into the leading break. The pack was finally whittled down to an elite

group of seven after the hour of racing with Guto still in contention. In the final gallop

for the line Guto Dafydd just missed the podium in 4 th . A great ride from Bryn Davies

in 8 th who just missed the split and worked hard all race to try and pull the break

back. Evan Richards and Cian Roberts rode hard all race to try and stay in

contention and were able to finish in the middle of the field. The under 12s were up

next with the circuit drying out and speeds increasing. Attacks went from gun and the

race split into several groups. After initially missing the lead group, Iolo Dafydd

fought his way back to re-join and raced hard to come 4 th in the sprint for the line. In

the under 12 girls, Awen Roberts raced hard for the whole race to cap a fantastic day

for the Carmarthen club. The Towies travel to Lancaster the for the next round in a

weeks time to contest the three day Northe West Tour stage race.

Link to British Cycling Photos - here