Lovatt steps out of the shadows

AFTER playing a support role in recent weeks, Mark Lovatt (Optimum Performance RT) stepped out of the shadows to claim his first win of the season in Sunday's 60-mile VC Chesterfield road race.

His victory was achieved at the main expense of team-mate Paul Curran, five seconds down at the line, with Rob Holden (Gill Airways) an isolated third at 1-47.

The three were all in a five-strong group which went clear on the second of 12 laps on the Clay Cross-based course and, completed by Paul Spencer (Long Eaton CC) and Charly Wegelius (SG Bollington), quickly gained a lead of over a minute.

The bunch split under the pressure of organising a chase, but the leaders were in no danger before Curran attacked two laps from the finish.

Lovatt moved across to join him and the die was set, Spencer and Wegelius dropping away while Holden was left in no man's land.

Lovatt kicked clear with 200 metres to go and Curran offered little resistance.

RESULTS

1. Mark Lovatt (Optimum Performance RT) 60m in 2-21-29
2. P. Curran (Optimum Performance RT) at 5 sec
3. R. Holden (Gill Airways) at 1-47
4. M. Ford (Team Stonefield) at 3-01
5. J. Griffin (CC 90) at 3-15
6. S. Cocker (Sheffield City RC)
7. K. Brennan (Maltby CC)
8. J. Lister (Leeds RRC)
9. M. Love (Harry Hall Cycles)
10. N. Giles (Radford Accountants) all st.