THE Caesarean Cycling Racing Team returned from Brittany with “results which were unthinkable” last weekend, when competing in a pair of National (open) Category 2 races.
First up were riders Jack Rebours, Jay Cracknell and Bruno Zunino, who competed for club partners CC Plancoet on a 6km circuit around the village of Megrit in the French Department of Cotes-d’Armor.
The race was held in trying conditions with heavy rain, strong winds and a very high-paced start. The mixed terrain created a real test for the riders, with crashes occurring on every single one of the 15 laps due to the slick surface.
But the Jersey riders managed to stay upright, as Cracknell produced a strong finish, avoiding a late crash in the main group to come fifth in a field of over 130 riders.
Outside the Caesarean racing team, but also competing in Jersey colours, was Kim Garrett, who rode an impressive race to win the women’s category ahead of a string of strong local talent. Garrett was in a class of her own, finishing a full minute clear of the local champion.
The next day comprised of two stages in La Bouëxière, with an individual time trial of one 7km lap in the morning.
The field was littered with class, including the Quebec time trial champion.
Cracknell rode well to finish eventually in the top 20 out of 160 riders, but it was Rebours who impressed most, finishing 10 seconds faster than the champion from Quebec with the team director describing the Islander as “something special”.
His performance earned the backing of his team to go for the win during the challenging and blustery Stage 2.
A fierce tussle at the front saw Rebours break away in the final lap, but he was overtaken as he tired.
He finished alongside the yellow jacket holder just off the breakaway pack and the pair remained strong to finish in first and second overall.
Although going all out for the victory, Rebours could take solace from his second-place finish and a spot on the prestigious podium.
The team were accompanied by other Jersey riders in Robin Ovenden, Adam Wojtkiewicz, Jim Garrett and Patrick Lempierre, who competed in the Access 2 category of the same races.
