JON Appleyard led the way for Leamington Spa Cycling Club at the MK Bowl in the latest round of the Corley Cycles Summer Series.
The category four race at the 11th round of the series was won by the sole Leamington representative, with the majority of Appleyard’s teammates taking part in a race at Mallory Park.
After a cautious start to the race, with many riders hesitant due to the headwind at the final corner of the course, an incident five minutes into the race prompted Appleyard’s ascent through the rankings.
He was joined by Adam Caton as the only other breakaway rider, but with five laps remaining, Appleyard went on the offensive and claimed victory after pulling away from his opponent.
Meanwhile over at Mallory Park, Stelios Maragkos, Emile Glorieux, Thomas Smith, Gerrard Scott and Denis Zaboronsky were similarly affected by strong winds on the open, exposed course.
Glorieux took it in his stride to lead a four-man breakaway 15 minutes into the race, with the quartet appearing in good stead to remain in front.
However, the group were pulled back around the half-hour mark, with Maragkos leading the rest of his teammates on the offensive shortly after, as RLSCC’s riders pushed forward to try and keep up the pace.
The number of lead riders diminished going into the final two laps, with both Scott and Zaboronsky putting in a huge effort to stay in contention.
Zaboronsky’s determination paid off, as he finished fourth in behind the front three in the final criterium race of the season.
