Sybrandy wins East Yorkshire Classic

The Premier Calendar saw a new face on the top step of the podium after Dutch rider Wouter Sybrandy claimed victory in the East Yorkshire Classic in Beverley yesterday.

The London based Sigma Sport rider took the win ahead of a cramping Kevin Dawson (Sportsover) after the pair escaped from the main break of the day on the final finishing circuit.

Sybrandy had initially escaped alone coming into the town but was caught by Dawson as he lined up to enter the finish straight.

Unperturbed by the presence of the multiple British Best All Rounder, Sybrandy took on Dawson in a sprint and came across the line with about a wheel’s advantage.

“Dawson tried to jump me but he didn’t have much of a jump left and I could come back past him quite easily,” said the 24 year old. “I’m really quite surprised. I was feeling strong all race and just felt I could keep going all day.”

Sybrandy added: “It feels fantastic to have won. That was the last thing I expected when I started the race. With my job in the city I can’t get many long rides in but I was still feeling really strong at the end.”

Over the course of a cycling-packed weekend, Beverley also saw a new national circuit race champion crowned after Russell Downing won on the town’s damp cobbled streets on Friday night.

Taking over from his brother Dean who won the champions’ jersey last year, Downing claimed the title by out galloping Jeremy Hunt (Cervélo Test Team) and Rob Hayles (Halfords Bikehut) at the head of a bunch sprint.

“I’m very pleased with that,” said Downing. “The way Halfords were controlling things, a bunch sprint looked likely. I wasn’t banking on it but I knew I was sprinting well if it came to it.”