Lovett impresses as junior women get chance to shine

The 17-year-old, from Blendworth, won the sprint from her group to cross the line in 23rd spot in the Bourne Wheelers Road Race in Lincolnshire.

Victory went to Jess Roberts, who prevailed in a thrilling finish after bridging the gap to six leaders with four miles of the 45-mile contest to go.

Lizzie Bennett completed a one-two for the Liv Cycling Club, while Lovelo Cinelli’s Anna Henderson was third.

But there was no denying the encouraging display of Lovett as she looked at home alongside the best junior riders in the country on the Witham-on-the-Hill circuit.

The South Downs College ace, who competes for the i-Team Racing Development Squad’s junior race team, was one of the youngest riders in the peloton.

A first-year junior, Lovett was building on a fine start to the Southdown Velo Goodwood Series.

The teenager finished third in the women’s race at the Sussex venue last Tuesday.

Former Solent Pirates rider Kara Perryman was second for Team Montezuma’s Hargroves Cycles as Kelly Enticott, of Bognor Regis, took the win.

Lovett’s team-mate Harvey McNaughton was 10th in the senior men’s contest.

Team Wiggle’s Andy Shackel sprinted to fourth, Clanfield’s Harry Veale finished fifth and Portsmouth North End’s Jamie Donovan took eighth.

Victory went to PMR@Toachim House rider Henry Latimer.

There was more joy for i-Team as Ollie Boarer (under-10 boys) and Caitlin Peters (under-16 girls) tasted success.

Izzy Brickell landed glory for Fareham Wheelers in the under-14 girls’ race.