Erick Rowsell (Madison-Genesis) and Dani King (Wiggle-Honda) emerged victorious in the respective men’s and women’s opening stages of the Tour of the Reservoir in Northumberland on Saturday.

Strong winds played a part in shaping both races, with many riders struggling to maintain any sort of momentum and the peloton splintering into pieces.

Given the conditions on eight laps of the Derwent Reservoir, Rowsell’s solo move at the end of the race was even more remarkable as he managed to keep a chase group at bay.

Steve Lampier (Raleigh GAC) came in for second, with Rowsell’s team-mate Mark McNally in third in what is the second round of the British Cycling Elite Road Series.

Dani King back to best after horrific crash injury

Earlier in the day, Dani King (Wiggle-Honda) had out-paced fellow escapee Katie Archibald (Pearl Izumi-Sports Tours International) to take the win in the opening 60km stage of the women’s Tour of the Reservoir.

It’s King’s first race back since suffering from a punctured lung as a result of a training incident. Her delight at the result was obvious, as King punched the air in celebration.

Charline Joiner (Team WNT) completed the top three on the opening stage of the women’s race.

Both the men’s and women’s events conclude on Sunday.