Behind the scenes at the Croydon Tour Series (gallery)
Cycling Weekly's resident photographer Chris Catchpole was on hand to record the women's Matrix Fitness Grand Prix and the build-up to the men's Tour Series in Croydon
On Tuesday, June 2, some of Britain's top domestic cyclists visited Croydon for round seven of this year's Tour Series.
The headline men's race saw some frenetic racing as the technical course shredded the peloton to pieces and ended with just five riders contesting the final three laps, after all the other riders were lapped and forced to retire.
In the end, Marcin Bialoblocki and Charline Joiner came out on top in the men's and women's races, but before it all kicked off we had a look behind the scenes as the race visited South London, not far from the Cycling Weekly offices.
Our photographer, Chris Catchpole, headed up the road to record the build up to the races, and watch the women's race unfold.
This exclusive gallery gives people a glimpse into the logistics and preparations of such an event, which they might not normally get to see.
Inside the Team Wiggins mechanics' truck
An unattended Raleigh team bike
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Wiggle-Honda's Anna Christian warms up before the Matrix GP
A long way from the course
A unique opportunity to ride against Croydon's one way system
There may have been more than twelve angry men after only five made the winning split
Warming up for the women's Grand Prix
An uninterested pass-by
Olympic inspiration?
There were many admiring glances for the bike tech on show
A sunny day in Croydon
Rolling to the start
Warming up away from the circuit
The men's teams begin to assemble
Hanging out to dry
Madison-Genesis's sizeable team bus
Warming up longer than teammates
Final lap before the start
The women's GP rolls round on the neutral lap
Away from the other spectators for a glimpse of the action
The crowds soon grew for the Tour Series
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Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.
