Verulam Reallymoving had Beth and Matt Watson to thank as the pair hoovered up the club’s victories at the Fete du Velo.
The racing team, an offshoot of Verulam Cycling Club who hosted the race along with The Hub, had targetted some good results at the team’s home race.
And with a number of events across the age groups and levels on the lightning-fast Redbourn circuit, it was the brother and sister who brought home the spoils.
Twelve-year-old Beth got things going in the U12 event, with boys and girls competing at the same time. She said: “I tried to attack early and got pulled straight back in. But with nine laps to go I managed to stay on the wheel of an attacker and we got away.
“Two more joined us and we hammered it for the rest of the race to stay clear. I blew up in the sprint, popped completely to finish fourth but that was still first girl.
“I’ve got nine wins this year and I’ve made the podium in every road race I’ve been in but this ranks pretty high up there.
“And I won first which put Matt under pressure.”
But if he was feeling the sibling rivalry he certainly didn’t show it, animating the U16 race from the start and outsprinting his five breakaway companions to cross the line first, his first success of the season.
He said: “It was a good race and I am very happy with it.
“[This year has] had its ups and downs. I had a good result in Belgium but I normally like to have won by this stage in the year.”
Marcel Six almost shouted himself hoarse in support and Watson explained they have been working hard in the last few weeks, adding: “We’ve been doing a lot of training and peaking for this event as it’s a big home race.
“I’ve been looking at the lunge for the line and a bit of racecraft and tactics, that’s what he was shouting as I passed. He nearly lost his voice which is always good. But it’s been a good road with him.
“I’ll see where it goes. I’d just like to do this for as long as I can.”
Verulam cycling Club’s chairman Doug Driscoll said: “I can’t think of a better way for the club to make its contribution to cycling than running this packed day of events for all age categories at such a wonderful venue and in such a great festival environment.
“It was also particularly pleasing to see our youth riders leading the way with super wins for both Beth and Matt.
“On behalf of the club I’d like to praise the great support from the officials, marshals, volunteers and helpers, many spending the entire day standing in the blazing-hot sun.”
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