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First National Champion of the Year for Raleigh ERV

Lizzie enjoys her first road title

The British Cycling 2006 Women's Criterium championship, promoted by the CC Giro cycling club was held today in bright sunny conditions at a motor racing circuit near Curborough (Lichfield) on a tight and demanding circuit. Winner after an exciting race was Lizzie Armitstead of the Raleigh ERV Womans Pro Rracing Team  who managed to hold off her rivals Tanja Slater (Scienceinsport.com) who was second and former winner, Helen Gutteridge (Team Lucanio Kuota) in third place.  

After a number of support races, the Women's Circuit Race Championship got under way a little after 1pm today without last year's champion Amy Hunt. Also not there was last year's silver medallist AND Lizzie's Raleigh team mate  Kim Blythe who is still recovering from a recent crash.
It was however still a very good quality field that lined up in the hot and sunny conditions and they didn't waste any time getting up to speed as Louise Mahe attacked off the line and led them around the first few twists and turns. One of the favourites Leda Cox had a problem and ended up on the grass and after a fruitless chase, out of the race.
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The most prominent riders at the front of  a select group were Jenny Copnall, Louise Mahe, Tanja Slater, and eventual winner Lizzie Armitstead. The 2006 champion got herself into two breaks, one with Louise Mahe and another with Jenny Copnall but they were chased down and at the bell, Lizzie came through on the front with sprinters Janet Birkmyer and Helen Gutteridge not far away.

After the wide radius hairpin at the top of the course, Tanja Slater started her bid for the title and she held the front position all the way around until they came out of the final turn before the finish line. There, she started her sprint as Lizzie Armitstead, took the corner quickly and drew alongside her. The two of them then battled side-by-side all the way to the line.