'˜Race team's progress is pleasing'

Riders of Staveley-based Andy Moore Autocentres / JEJ Racing Team have had another busy week in the saddle.

After last week’s season opener at Darley, the team entered into battle with a Saturday trip to the York Sports Village venue to compete in the ever popular closed circuit event.

With rider Nick Moore resting after his recent cold, team-mates Andy Bishop and Joel Candy were looking to apply the pressure right from the flag, and did not disappoint.

A ferocious first lap attack split the field apart instantly and the duo ramped up the pace for a full five minutes, decimating the peloton.

With the initial job done there was time to look back and survey the resulting damage, a break which left eight riders clear and the rest out of the equation.

A further 20 minutes of consistent pace saw more pressure applied and the breakaway group was down to just seven riders.

With a safe finish and points scoring the requirements of the day the pair rode in to a comfortable fifth and sixth, having lapped the main field twice.

Team manager Andy Moore expressed delight at the performance.

He said: “Bish and Joel applied massive pressure from the gun and created the opportunity perfectly. The pace was such that only five other riders could hang on, impressive stuff!

“Team coach Paul Jezewski has worked with the lads intensively over winter, and it shows just what can be achieved.”

A satisfactory Saturday result ensured that the team could relax for a Sunday trip to the Windley open road race near Ashbourne and the scenic Derbyshire countryside offered a hilly challenge over a 55-mile ride.

The fierce winds proved a gruelling challenge for all competitors but Candy and Bishop once more finished with aplomb, Candy up in the main bunch and Bishop following on behind.

Moore added: “The lads were instructed to enjoy the ride today after yesterday’s effort, and they did just that. We expected legs to be a little tired after yesterday but they completed without issue. It’s been a weekend of successful progress for us.”

Nick Moore is expected to return to the team’s line-up for this coming weekend’s racing, which will no doubt enthuse the team manager and team-mates alike.