Lovett underlines potential with senior podium

Victoria Lovett on her way to second place at Longcross last weekend

The 17-year-old, from Horndean, was runner-up in the Surrey League Road Race at Longcross last weekend.

Lovett, who is a member of the i-Team Racing Development Squad’s junior race team, bridged across to a solo attack on her own with 18 miles left of the contest near Chobham last Saturday.

The South Downs College student then worked effectively with her fellow escapee to make the move stick.

Members of the i-Team RDS junior race team with their new team car

And while she was beaten to glory in the sprint, the result represented a huge step forward for the talent – who is just months into her first season as a junior.

Her i-Team manager and coach, Guy Watson, said: ‘Victoria has amazing determination and focus for a girl her age.

‘She trains smart and always races hard – it’s only a matter of time before she gets a well-deserved win.

‘She is now looking forward to events later this summer where she will be riding against girls her own age.’

Meanwhile, Lovett’s fellow junior race team riders Joe Clark and Nick Kimish have secured places in the Rutland-Melton Junior CiCLE Classic on Sunday.

Team-mate Harvey McNaughton has been named as a reserve.

Watson added: ‘This is a counting event in the 2016 British Cycling National Junior Road Race Series and will be the boys’ first test at national level.

‘This race is known as Britain’s Paris-Roubaix – as it features sections of dirt roads which will push the riders’ bike handling skills to the limit.

‘Joe, Nick and Harvey have what it takes to finish this race.

‘And if they achieve that, it will be a big tick in their development pathway wishlist.

‘Our focus will be to hold our position in the bunch as long as we can and gain as much experience as possible.’

The race begins in Oakham at 9.10am and covers 87.3km.

Watson will be following the peloton in the team’s new race support car, driven by Dave Edwards.