Junior rider Tom Pidcock defies elite chasers to win Clayton Velo Spring Classic (gallery)

Junior riders Tom Pidcock and Rob Scott, both of the VCUK team, managed to fend off the chasers to take a one-two at the Clayton Velo Spring Classic in Lancashire on Sunday.

Pidcock and Scott had escaped with two laps to go in the race to secure the victory, with Ian Wilkinson (Pedal Heaven) leading in the chase with third place.

The early-season handicap race sees the junior riders – including Pidcock – set off first, with second, third and fourth category riders and then elite riders starting in two further groups.

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Junior group

The juniors set off three minutes ahead of the 2/3/4 category riders, and six minutes ahead of the scratch group including the elites.

Second group

After the junior riders set off, the 2/3/4 category riders gave chase.

Rob Scott

Rob Scott in early break, which was reeled in - he would eventually go on to place second.

Clayton Velo Spring Classic 2016

50th Clayton Velo Classic held under generally bright cold conditions. Cloud building later to give sunny intervals.

Stunning backdrop

The view to Clitheroe Castle and Pendle Hill beyond provided the backdrop for the action.

Wilkinson and Gullen

James Gullen and Ian Wilkinson headed the scratch group chase.

Junior group working hard

The juniors groups worked well together to stay ahead.

James Gullen

James Gullen puts in a big effort to drag himself and team-mate Ian Wilkinson up to the juniors.

Juniors still out front

Over half way and the junior group lead here by Rob Scott still had the advantage.

Catch is made

Gullen and Wilko catch the back of the remaining juniors but Pidcock and Scott are away up front.

Pidcock and Scott

Tom Pidcock and Rob Scott are away - and the chase group are still a way behind.

Maximum effort

Junior riders Tom Pidcock and Rob Scott give it everything they've got to stay ahead of Ian Wilkinson during the Clayton Velo Classic in Lancashire on Sunday. Pidcock would take the win.

Tom Pidcock wins

Junior riders Tom Pidcock and Rob Scott defy the elite chasers behind, taking a one-two at the Clayton Velo Spring Classic.

Tom Pidcock

Tom Pidock.

Bill Nickson

Legend of the road, Bill Nickson makes an appearance at the race.

Two laps to go

The race's lap counter shows how much further the riders have until the finish.

Keeping warm

Watching a bike race in February can be chilly.