Spirit Bikes RR Win for Baines
Location: Cranfield University, Milton Keynes, Bucks
Event: 20 August 2011
Report: Snowdon Sports

SPIRIT Bikes Racing Team were celebrating after their own rider, Mark Baines, took victory in their 50-mile road race staged over 22 laps of the tough triangular Cranfield University circuit near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire on Saturday.

Baines broke away alone with four laps left, just as a near race-long break had been reeled in, and he held out to the finish line to take a stylish victory.

More than 70 riders tackled a hard course which included a tough climb every lap, but it was not enough to stop breakaway attempts virtually from the gun.

CC Luton's John Peters broke away with Python Racing Team's Nigel Williams early in the race, and although they stayed clear for much of the race the bunch controlled things well and the gap was never allowed to get longer than 40 seconds.

Four laps from the end they were pulled back, and Baines attacked straight away and gave it everything he had in search of victory. Jack Waller of Team Corley Cycles, who had tried to cover the attack, came home alone in second, while the bunch was led in by Cyclesport's Tim Allen in third.

The race had a crash on lap two with two riders coming down quite heavily. Thankfully the prompt action of our local First Aider Peter Nolan ensured they were treated and where bruised and grazed but ok to fight another day.

Spirit RT thanks everybody who helped with the event and are keen on encouraging new riders take up the sport. Visit www.spiritbikes.co.uk.

Results:

1 Mark Baines (Spirit RT) 2:15:00
2 Jack Waller (Team Corley Cycles) @ 1:15
3 Tim Allen (Cyclesport)
4 Liam Stones (45 Road Club)
5 Daniel Harris (Halesowen A&CC)
6 Mike Jackson (CC Luton)
7 Todd Hotchkiss (Stourbridge Velo)
8 Harry Littlechild (London Dynamo)
9 Paul Bennett (Cycle Premier-Metaltek)
10 Nigel Hobday (Cambridge CC)