Third for Culverwell as he impresses alongside pros
PROFESSIONAL opposition and last-minute illness proved no obstacle for Sam Culverwell as he enjoyed a brilliant podium finish in Bristol.
Representing ‘Team Estera’ in the challenging 112km Severn Bridge road race, the youngster clocked 2hrs 55min. 31sec. to take bronze behind two Canyon dhb pros.
Several Vitus Pro Cycling and Saint Piran riders added to the full-time representation alongside a Wales Racing Academy offering, but Culverwell left the vast majority in his wake to successfully build upon last month’s sixth-place finish at Perfs Pedal.
The Guernsey rider had many opportunities to show his strength on the undulating and windswept course, but he initially decided to bide his time as a group of 15 riders made an early break down the road.
On entering the sixth of nine laps, Culverwell orchestrated a break of his own to successfully bridge the gap on those out front – except for Canyon’s Alex Richardson, who rode on solo to win by nearly two minutes.
He capitalised upon the particularly demanding climb concluding each lap, breaking from the pack alongside Welshman Peter Kibble on the seventh circuit before being caught by several attacking riders.
Culverwell later found extra strength to cover another move from Perfs Pedal winner Jacob Vaughan, with the duo now working together into the roaring wind in the closing miles as they battled for the runner-up spot.
He reached his limit on the final climb that ensued and lost 5sec. to Vaughan on the sprint, registering a proud third-place finish nonetheless.
‘I felt amazing during the race, which I was surprised at as I felt a bit ill throughout Saturday and Sunday morning,’ said Culverwell afterwards.
‘I’m really pleased with my performance, as I felt comfortable racing with the pros and it didn’t feel out of my reach to be mixing it up at the front of the race.’
It was a good day to be an 18-year-old Sam from Guernsey Velo Club, as Sam Reed echoed Culverwell’s finish while riding for newly-adopted team CC Plancoet in France.
Reed finished third in the first round of the Challenge de la Flume in the early stages of an intensive race programme that extends until August.
