‘Sam’s making a mockery of tactics involved’ – Roe
SAM CULVERWELL’S mastery of race tactics has earned him his third National B victory of the still-young season.
Having been pipped to the post by Steve Bradbury two weeks prior, he reversed this result to take the scalp of another Bradbury – Memil CCN professional Edmund – in last weekend’s Bec CC road race.
The 115km Kentish route is renowned for its difficulty, but Culverwell successfully held his own against the pros to build upon last year’s third-place finish.
Team Estera domestique James Roe was full of praise after helping pave the way for the youngster.
‘Sam beats flipping everyone at the moment. The way he rides, I don’t think there’s anyone like that in Guernsey,’ said Roe.
‘James [McLaughlin] never got these results ... Sam seems to make a mockery of the tactics involved.’
Roe and Mike Serafin had both played vital supporting roles before being forced to retire early.
Roe boldly pursued a breakaway group as the riders set out for 10 Ladies’ Mile loops, holding the leaders before suffering a puncture at around 45km and effectively ending his race.
The sidelined rider made his presence known to Culverwell, who worked up to a strong group and joined forces with them on the rougher second section of the course.
An illness-hampered Serafin soon dropped back and then out but Culverwell continued to vie with the big guns.
As he attacked from a group featuring Roe’s former coach, Alex Welburn, the field began to split.
Culverwell rode clear alongside Bradbury and one of several Nopinz elite – but soon there were just two.
Culverwell and Bradbury stuck together before the decisive uphill finish, but the Sarnian was not to be outsprinted this time and passed the chequered flag two seconds ahead. Nopinz’ Lee Frost took third some 26sec. back.
‘I’m really happy to get the result, as it is regarded as a really tough race due to the terrain, so it feels great to be able to come out on top at another National B,’ said Culverwell.
‘It was unlucky with James having a mechanical and Mike not finishing as he’s still struggling with health a bit, but they were instrumental in helping to set me up for the first part of the race.’
