Ryedale Grand Prix winner Joe Perrett has admitted his victory in the final Premier Calendar round of the season came as a welcome double surprise after a year short on results for his IG Sigma Sport team.
The 22 year-old national 25 time trial champion was initially expecting to play a team role, getting into the early break and sticking with it when a chase group caught up. However with no other IG-Sigma riders represented, Perrett took his chance and won from a three-man sprint to the line in Yorkshire.
"I was told to get in the break early on, so I did. We stayed away and some guys came up to us and I was strong enough to hang on when the proverbial hit the fan," he told CW. "We didn't really know how the race would unfold, and I was surprised I won a sprint. I think I spent about four hours on the front.
"It was all a bit weird. I've won about three sprints in my whole life!"
Perrett outsprints Rich Handley (Rapha-Condor-JLT) and Ian Bibby (Madison-Genesis, out of shot)
Perrett's win was a welcome change of fortune for the IG-Sigma team after a disappointing season to date. However the laid back Essex rider wasn't feeling the pressure last weekend.
"I've not had an issue of pressure or anything; as long as I try my best then there's no point in worrying about things, it's just a waste of energy," he said. "That's how I deal with it!
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"I think the team needed it, and Simon [Howes - team sports director] said everyone appreciated it. Hopefully it will get the ball rolling."
George Harper joins IG-Sigma Sport
IG-Sigma Sport has announced they have signed George Harper from Felt Colbornes-Hargroves RT for the rest of the 2013 season.
Discussing the move, the 21 year old Harper said: "As I am new to the sport, it is very exciting that things are moving so quickly in my career. This move, to such a great team, gives me further confidence in my career in cycling."
Harper also paid tribute to his previous team. "Felt Colbornes-Hargroves RT have been fantastic and a huge and integral part of my progress, I am hugely grateful for that," he said. "I am looking forward to new challenges especially riding in a team with professional riders and I cannot wait to pull on the new kit."
IG-Sigma sports director Simon Howes added his praise for Harper, whose signing comes just weeks after the addition of Ben Greenwood to the Kingston-based team's ranks.
"We all know what a good season George has had up until now," Howes said. "The support and experience of the team with the current riders and management will only help him progress further. He fully deserves a spot on a UCI team and I'm delighted we can give him that opportunity".
Welsh win for Jon Mould
Team UK Youth's Jon Mould won in Radnorshire last weekend to be crowned the 2013 Welsh Champion.
Mould had to chase down a leading group of five riders in the third of four laps around the 75 mile course near Llandrindod Wells, sprinting to the win ahead of Gruff Lewis (Metaltek-Knights of Old) and Hugh Wilson (NFTO).
jon mould welsh champs
Mould takes the win in Wales (photo credit: Huw Fairclough)
A five-strong initial leading group included Hefin Price (NFTO), Lee Williams (Gateway Cycling) Daniel Davies (Teamwallis CHH Racing Team), Dave Bees (Forza) and William Haynes (Herbalife) who set a brutal pace which broke up the field for the first two laps but was eventually chased down by six riders, including the winner.
The junior race was won by Gerallt Allen (Marsh Tracks Race Team) with Rhys Thomas (County Cycles) in second and Dan Colman (West Wales Cycle Racing) in third.
Paralympic Legacy in action at British Paracycling championships
The British Paracycling national road circuit championships took place at Darley Moor, Derbyshire on Sunday, with the biggest field the competition has ever had competing in the three events.
Following on from the success of the Paralympics last year, the event saw a record entry of participants, with 37 riders competing in the handcycle, tandem and bike events.
Mike Rennison (Cleveland Wheelers CC) won in the bike event while Brian Aldis (West Suffolk Wheelers and Triathlon Club) took the title in the Handcycle after dominating the race and lapping the field.
Oxford duo Jan Newman (Oxford City RC) and her pilot Claire Leaver (Zappi's Ladies Team) finished 30 seconds ahead of the rest of the group to win in the Tandem event.
Related links
Joe Perrett wins Ryedale Grand Prix
RideLondon-Surrey Classic: Where to Watch
Scott Thwaites reflects on 2013 season ahead of Prudential RideLondon
Tour of Britain to be shown live on Eurosport
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