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In wet and windy conditions Science In Sport – Trek rider Ian Wilkinson won in spectacular fashion the latest round of the National Circuit Series at Colne. This is one of the highest profile cycling events in Lancashire so to gain the victory was a dream come true for Wilks and the team.
The field was full of top professional UK riders and the pace of the race was high from the start with a number of riders attempting to break free from the bunch. After approximately15 minutes a break started to develop when Ian Bibby attacked the bunch and quickly established a lead with Tom Murray (Pinarello RT) and Simon Richardson (PCA) on his wheel. Kristian House ( Rapha Condor) and Russel Downing gave chase but as they dropped back into the bunch Wilks saw his chance to get across to the three leading riders and quickly joined them along with Graham Briggs ( Rapha Condor)
The break driven on by Wilks and Bibs steadily gained an advantage on the bunch and at one point the lead was up to 20 seconds. With about fifteen minutes to go the gap started to slowly come down and with a lead of less than 10 seconds the break started to attack each other with the main protagonists being Wilks, Bibs and Simon Richardson. With about 13 laps to go the two Science in Sport – Trek riders did a one two with Bibs attacking only to be brought back and then Wilks immediately saw his opportunity and rode away with the remaining break members being unable to give chase. The bunch then sucked in the other 4 breakaway riders and tried in vain to catch Wilks. Bibs and Dave Collins policed the head of the bunch while Wilks rode to victory in fantastic style to take his first win in the National Circuit Series, with Dave Collins and Bibs finishing 5th & 7th respectively.
Ever the professional Wilks had time to celebrate his victory as he crossed the line with his sponsors bottle in hand and showing off his team jersey to the full on that massive chest of his that has been honed to perfection on building sites in the Ribble Valley.
This race is testament to the fact that Science In Sport – Trek have arguably two of the most talented all round bike riders in the country in Wilks and Bibs who are both capable of winning National events in the disciplines of Road, MTB and Cyclo-Cross. This weekend sees them both racing in the National MTB Championships where it is feasible that they could both win their respective categories.
