Lightning secure superb one-two at the Loughborough Cycling Festival

a cyclist crosses the finish line to win a race

Lucy Hall was in fine form to win the Jose Gilbert Memorial Trophy. Image provided by Still Sport Photography.

Lucy Harris and Jenny Holl both produced stunning performances as Lightning secured a dominant one-two in the Jose Gilbert Memorial Trophy at this year’s Loughborough Cycling Festival.

Held across campus on bank holiday Monday, Loughborough University welcomed some of the UK's best cyclists for a full day of elite-level competition, including the National Youth Series and Elite Open races.

In changeable weather conditions, a strong and raucous crowd witnessed riders competing on the fast and technical criterium circuit which has now become a highlight in UK cycling’s competition calendar.  

In a hard-fought Jose Gilbert Memorial Trophy race, Lightning showed their early intentions as Lucy Harris sprinted away with Samantha Fawcett (Spectra Racing) hot on her tail. However, it wasn’t long before Harris extended her lead to front the pack alone as Fawcett dropped into the chasing cluster.  

Harris extended her advantage to a huge 55 seconds as the race progressed. By the time the final lap bell rang she was in front by a whopping 100 seconds – almost a full lap – before crossing the line in apparent ease to take the victory.

In the chasing pack, all eyes turned to Loughborough’s Jenny Holl who kicked on in equally impressive form to pull away and record an outstanding one-two for Lightning.

Elsewhere, in the Elite Open race, Toby Barnes underlined his strong credentials with an impressive tactical performance to win for Spectra Racing.

In the final lap, the 23-year-old showed maturity and guile beyond his years to break away from those behind, including competitors Thomas Mitchell (Dolan Ellesse Race Team) and Matthew Lord (Richardsons Trek DAS).

Rounding the final left-hand bend all three were still in contention. Still, it was a tenacious Barnes who managed to advance into an unassailable lead to secure his third overall victory on the circuit.  

a close up of a man racing on a bike

Toby Barnes moving through the field on his way to victory. Image provided by Still Sport Photography. 

For the full results from the Loughborough Cycling Festival 2024, visit: http://www.titaniumresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=19747&RId=343