Guernsey Press

Second-placed Culverwell proud of performance

SAM CULVERWELL ended an excellent week of racing in the Netherlands with a classy silver after falling just short of top honours.

Published
Sam Culverwell makes a break along the cobbles in the penultimate race of the week. (22190341)

Following a great second in the penultimate round, the 17-year-old Sarnian was topped only by leader Lars Boven in the general classification as he embarked upon the sixth and final race of the European Junior Cycling Tour Assen.

Culverwell was intent on breaking Boven in the criterium finale and topping the GC, knowing full well that the Dutchman’s teammates would be resolute to close any breakaways.

He was heavily marked and consequently unable to execute his planned break before facing an untimely puncture in the late stages.

Following a temporary halt, Culverwell rode on strongly to draw level with his rivals as a big bunch sprint beckoned.

The Guernseyman could not quite get into position, settling for 27th in a huge sprint and sharing the same time as 34th-placed Boven.

Nevertheless, a proud Culverwell ended the week just 20 seconds behind winner Boven in the GC, outshining British national silver medallist Lewis Askey (sixth) and in-form compatriot Leo Hayter (fourth).

‘I’m really happy with how I went, it was a really amazing experience to do this stage race against some very good competition,’ he said.

‘I had a really strong start to the week, got right up there in the general classification and I am very happy with my performances at the end of the week.’