Race Report: Plymouth Corinthian CC’s Spring RR

Okehampton CC’s Lloyd Copp sprinted to victory from a select group at Plymouth Corinthian CC’s Spring 3/4 Road Race. Cian Bryant (Reflex Nopinz) and Mid Devon junior rider Henry Cadwallader took second and third in an attritional race

Race Report: Plymouth Corinthian CC’s Spring RR
(Photos: Aegean Bramley)

A select field of twenty-five riders took to the start line of the most southerly UK road race of the year, with the threat of rain looming. While familiar to time trialling, this was the first road race to be held on the new ‘Ermington Valley’ circuit in South Devon.

Thankfully, the conditions stayed dry—albeit with a strong tailwind up the valley—ensuring the bunch quickly splintered on the steeper kickers past the village of Ugborough. An initial break of three riders—Hassan Nada (Royal Navy Cycling), Henry Cadwallader (Mid Devon CC), and Michael Vernon (North Devon Velo)—quickly established a gap. They were soon joined by Cian Bryant (Reflex Nopinz) and Ben Waghorne (Cheltenham & County CC). Working well as a quintet, eventual winner Lloyd Copp (Okehampton CC) and Shaun Davey (Mid Devon CC) sensed the danger and successfully bridged across, forming a formidable and motivated group of seven.

The gap appeared to close slightly as William Jeffrey (Zappi Racing Team) tried to rally what remained of the bunch, especially as the riders up front began to mark one another. However, the breakaway was never in danger—now reduced to six as Nada (Royal Navy Cycling), who had earned the combativity award for his early efforts, slipped back into the chasing group.

Copp timed his effort to perfection, putting a couple of bike lengths into second-placed Bryant, who finished similarly ahead of third-placed Cadwallader. Shaun Davey (Mid Devon CC) followed as the next best finisher from the break, with Ben Waghorne (Cheltenham & County CC) and Michael Vernon (North Devon Velo) rounding out the top six. Edward Fraile-Whysall took the bunch sprint with apparent ease to claim 7th.

The Andrew Flynn Memorial Trophy—awarded each year to the highest-placed Plymouth Corinthian CC rider in memory of our late friend, Andrew ‘Flynny’ Flynn—was hotly contested by six club riders. Owen Kressinger-Dunne emerged victorious, narrowly edging out Darren Legg. Both riders are enjoying fantastic debut seasons, and it’s brilliant to see a resurgence of racing pedigree within the club.

Plymouth Corinthian is a club for cyclists of all abilities, from competitive riders to those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Without the continued support and enthusiasm of that latter group, events like this simply wouldn’t happen—so a huge thank you to everyone involved.