Competing at the high-profile Mr Porter London Nocturne was another important step forward for the Verulam Reallymoving racing team.
Winning one of the races, however, was the perfect cherry on top of the St Albans-based cycling club’s cake.
Thousands of spectators turn out each year to watch a mix of elite and amateur racing from the afternoon through into the night.
The course returned to Cheapside for this year’s event, with view of St Paul’s Cathedral as the spectacular backdrop.
Using team sponsor Ellisix’s beauty salon in St Pauls as the base for the afternoon, Verulam Reallymoving were out in force at this year’s London Nocturne.
Sam Reed, Gary Nugent and Marcel Six took part in the open criterium race while Gavin Bench competed in the masters event.
Added to that though was the sight of two of the team’s promising stars, Luke Houghton and Michael Parry, racing shoulder to shoulder with the professionals in the elite race.
But it was in the open race where the team’s success came.
Team manager Marcel Six took it, beating out his rivals in the final sprint for the line.
He said: “It was only a 35-minute long race so it was important to start near the front, as the circuit with eight corners was going to be fast.
“Splits happened immediately and after a few attacks where nothing really stayed away, I decided to wait for the sprint.
“Going into the last lap I knew second or third place was the place to be coming out of the last bend and I managed to come out of the corner second.
“I left a small gap that I could use to get a better draft as I knew I would have a long run into the finish and needed a perfect sprint to make it first to the line.
“With 200 metres to go I hit the lead and managed to get the win with a jump to the line.”
He went on to thank the team’s many sponsors and supporters.
“Again it was a successful day out for all involved and thanks for all the support we received; it was fantastic.
“As well as the many supporters who travelled from St Albans to support the team, we would also like to particularly thank Ellisix Beauty for letting us use the salon as a base to set up for the race.”
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