Osborn storms to impressive victory

MATT OSBORN produced a brilliant last lap to claim victory in the big local race in St Peter Port as part of the day of events for the visit of Sir Bradley Wiggins yesterday.

The Tour de France winner and multiple Olympic gold medallist started the Devil Takes the Hindmost race that began with around 50 cyclists on the start line, a tally that was quickly whittled down by three per lap.

In the end, there was a handful of riders left to contest the last five laps at a brutal pace on a circuit that got more treacherous as the laps progressed, rain having fallen throughout the half-hour or so of action.

Tobyn Horton was arguably the pre-race favourite and the Sarnian professional was one of the leading group of four going into the final lap, along with James McLaughlin, Osborn and James Roe.

Most would have predicted the road race star Horton, who has had a fantastic year across the UK, to motor through and win it.

But it was Osborn who came flying around the Albert Monument roundabout and ultimately cruised to a highly-impressive success.