CHRIS Opie pulled off a stunning finish to clinch the opening leg of the Tour Series here in Redditch.
The BIKE Channel Canyon rider looked to be totally up against it with the riders of JLT Condor massing at the front of the race but a clearly delighted Opie just pulled clear and punched the air with delight as he crossed the line.
It was a tremendous climax to a great day’s racing as the Tour Series came to town.
Ian Jukes, chairman of the Rory the Robot Prostate Cancer machine and representative of the Worcestershire Ambassadors, who presented Opie with his trophy, said it had been a great day for Redditch.
“The fact that there has been so many people here, and they’ll got away and talk about this event and hopefully come back next year. It’s been great for Redditch and for Worcestershire,” he said.
Borough Mayor Councillor Joe Baker was equally delighted with the way the entire event, from beginning to stunning finale, had gone.
“It’s been great to see the Tour Series event so well attended and I’m so pleased that we have been able to put it on this year.
“So a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in organising it and especially to Bill Hartnett, the leader of the council, who campaigned so hard to bring it back to Redditch.
And it has been an absolute privilege to meet all the winners.”
Those that missed the Redditch event will be able to see it on ITV4 tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 10) at 7pm.
Meanwhile the Tour Series moves on to Stoke on Trent where the action recommences on Thursday (May 11).
Results: 1, Chris Opie, GBR, BIKE Channel Canyon, 1:11.197; 2, Brenton Jones, AUS, JLT Condor, same time; 3, Enrique Sanz, ESP, Team Raleigh GAC, same time
