Gregory Vanderpool captured his third Stoli Cockspur National Cycling Championships road race yesterday on the Graeme Hall circuit in a blistering sprint to the finish, holding off Jamol Eastmond.
That result was a fitting climax for the Seniors, who throughout the 20 laps totalling 100 kilometres, remained in a competitive bunch with the lead alternating constantly. Even 300 metres from the finish, the cat and mouse game continued with six riders biding their time to make the dash for the finish.
When Vanderpool and Eastmond made the break it quickly turned into a two-rider battle as Vanderpool took control 50 metres out to hold his hands aloft, leaving previous winner Joshua Kelly in third spot.
“It feels good to get my third title and to repay those persons who have poured so much into my life and cycling career. I dedicate this win to my mother Rose Vanderpool, who celebrated her birthday today. She has not always been able to give me much financially, but she has always supported.
“The dynamics of the race shifted throughout as we had a number of riders who were great in the climb and the sprints. But it was key to be patient and to determine when to make the break. I trusted in my sprint and I dug as deep as I could to score the win,” said Vanderpool, who turned 26 in March. (KB)