British title for biker Atkins
Welland Valley CC rider George Atkins chose the perfect stage to record his first win of the season – the British junior road race championship at Abergavenny.
Atkins, now racing for Websters Cycles, outsprinted long-time leader Tim Kennaugh, from the Isle of Man, in a dramatic finish after 68 miles of racing around the Welsh countryside over a course including the testing climb of The Tumble.
Wellingborough's Jack Waller (Lotto Olympia Sport) figured in an early four-strong break which was brought back by the chasing field before Kennaugh went clear on his own with around 20 miles to go.
He looked the likely winner until Atkins and Joe Perrett (Glendene CC) took off in hot pursuit on the last climb of the race and, dropping his companion on a fast descent into Abergavenny, Atkins clawed his way up to the leader with enough in reserve to win the sprint.
"It's a relief – I really needed a big win and everything fell into place," said Atkins, a former European Youth Olympics champion. "Early on I rode conservatively, which I don't do that often. I saved myself and used what I had when I needed to."
Atkins had little time to celebrate, leaving for Belgium with the Great Britain team to compete in the European junior time trial and road race championships this week.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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