Askey lays down Worlds marker in Derby dirt

Groupama-FDJ rider wins opening round of cyclo-cross National Trophy in style

- Snowdon Sports, BenGoddard, James Shrubsall

Ahead of Friday’s under-23 World Championship road race, Lewis Askey said he was in the form of his life after winning the opening round of the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series.

The 20-year-old from Cannock, Staffordshire, has already signed for the Groupama-FDJ WorldTour team for next year and showed why with an impressive ride in Derby.

Askey took the lead on the opening lap around the fast turns at Moorways Leisure Centre before pulling out a 30-second gap and holding it steady throughout the race.

“I set off with the front guys, got a bit of a gap and I knew the long straights would be good for me to put down the power,” said Askey after winning by 23 seconds.

“I didn’t want people sitting in my draft so I really tried to get that gap initially. I put in two or three laps of effort to get that gap.

“I didn’t want to do anything crazy and blow up. I was comfortable at 30 seconds so I just got in my own rhythm.”

Visiting Belgian rider Arno van den Broeck (VDB Cycling Team) led the chase behind, finishing six seconds ahead of Ian Field (Spectra-Wiggle p/b Vitus) in third.