April Tacey took a superb win on stage three of the Essex Junior Giro to confirm her place atop the general classification for round two of the inaugural British Cycling | Junior Women’s Road Race Series.
More than three minutes separated the Team 22 rider from her closest challengers, allowing the chance to revel in a solo finish – a hands-aloft celebration crowning the 17-year-old’s champion performance.
That ensured both the stage and overall win came her way, with Kate Wootton behind in second while third place in the general classification went to Alana Prior.
Unfortunate puncture derails Side
Coming in to the final day it was Corinne Side (Racing Chance Academy) who looked favourite to hold on to the overall lead after taking the previous day's stage two victory.
But, puncturing before the halfway point, she was left having to chase back to the race, the effort ultimately proving too much and she was pulled out of the race coming into the final lap.
A quiet early few laps was in stark contrast to the previous days race at Redbridge and it did look as though it could be a ride around on the reduced length nine-lap race.
Super pleased with today’s stage win and overall GC. Thanks to all the organisers and helpers this weekend! @Team22WRT https://t.co/Uqm9qPIKyj
— April (@april_tacey) April 22, 2018
But time-trial winner Tacey and Boompods EDCO’s Marie Lynn made the first real effort off the front as the race approached Withersfield, the pair stringing out the main field and getting a small but useful gap.
But Tacey’s strength saw the Team 22 rider drop Lynn well before the lap was over and began a solo ride to the finish.
With the lead increasing every lap, all eyes turned to see if the chase would organise but it wasn’t to be.
Tacey learns the lessons to lead the way
Compared to Pfeiffer Georgi’s ride the previous week, the nature of the race was almost a carbon copy, Tacey taking a fine solo victory in the sunshine with Wootton left to prevail in the bunch sprint.
"There have been breaks in the other races and I wanted to be the one to attack and get away," she said.
"After last week I thought that would be the way to go, it worked then with Pfeiffer's win so I wanted to see if I could do the same.
"I did one attack which lasted towards the climb, it got brought back together, but then another group tried to break it off - I wanted to push it with the tail-wind and it's worked out for me."
Provisional Results
Essex Junior Giro
1. April Tacey - Team 22
2. Kate Wootton - Cycle Team OnForm
3. Alana Prior - Liv CC -Halo Films
4. Gabby Homer - Cycle Team OnForm
5. Lauren Higham - Liv AWOL
6. Ellen Barker - Cycle Team OnForm
7. Olivia Bent - Team Jadan Weldtite
8. Zoe Brookes - Liv AWOL
9. Caitlin Peters - I-Team CC
10. Marie Lynn - Boompods EDCO
Stage Three
1. April Tacey - Team 22
2. Kate Wootton - Cycle Team OnForm
3. Caitlin Peters - I-Team CC
4. Gabby Homer - Cycle Team OnForm
5. Alana Prior - Liv CC- Halo Films
6. Hannah Lancaster - Ludlow Brewery
7. Ellen Barker - Cycle Team OnForm
8. Fiona Turnbull - YRDP
9. Georgia Bullard - Team Jadan Weldtite
10. Olivia Bent - Team Jaden Weldtite
Gallery
