St Ives Cycling Club finished off the road race season with double triumph in the Eastern Road Race League over the weekend, with Malcolm Smith winning the individual standings and the club taking the overall title.Malcolm was unable to race the Finsbury Park CC Road Race, which took place over 56 miles near Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, but none of his rivals were racing either, so his title was safe. It was left to Lee Desborough and Paul Fielding, fresh from his win in the 12 hour Dusk to Dawn mountain bike race the previous week, to defend the club’s lead in the Eastern Road Race League.St Ives had been battling with East London Vélo all season. Having lost the lead three weeks ago, the London club went all out to win last week’s races, but only managed to score two points, closing the gap to 16 points. This meant they needed to beat the St Ives riders convincingly at Welwyn.
It wasn’t to be. Though the race was littered with attacks, none managed to stay away, meaning it finished in a sprint finish. Paul Fielding managed to take fourth place and club chairman, Lee Desborough finished just two places behind, the nearest East London rider immediately behind him.
The cub’s success is especially notable when the number of racing members is considered: East London had ten riders in the Maldon races last week, whilst St Ives have only had eight riders race in League races all season. Of those eight only four managed to score league points.
Desborough had an amazing and consistent season, as did junior Luke Hattersley. Paul Fielding started his year late but has scored heavily. But it was Malcolm Smith, at the top of the individual standings, who scored most points.”
