Roe sprints to victory
GUERNSEY just missed out on a podium clean-sweep in a successful Escape Velocity Spring Series race showing at the weekend.
While James Roe demonstrated sterling form to top the Zwiftpower standings for the fast-paced 61km, teammates Marc Cox and Matt Osborn followed him closely for third and fourth.
Roe’s winning time was 1hr 20min. 34sec. – shared with Japan’s N. Zaki – and the other speeding Sarnians finished within a second of him.
On a flowing six-lap course, with the lack of major climbs making for a fierce pace, the Sarnians initially bided their time and let an early breakaway escape. The break stuck for a while, lasting until the final third of the race, and yet despite several minor attacks in the late stages, it became evident that a finishing sprint was due.
Roe came out top after an extended charge for the line and though the powerful Japanese rider interrupted their finishing run, it had been a worthwhile endeavour for the Sarnians.
‘It was a good race,’ said the victorious Roe.
‘It was a really flat course and the other races we have done on Zwift have been hillier courses – they have been a bit of a fitness test.
‘A win in Zwift is not like winning in real life – you do not get the same adrenaline rush – but it’s always good to win and it’s just great to be racing with the boys.’
Maddie Wilson took the Guernsey women’s honours while competing in the shorter Category C race.
