Surbiton's Betts enjoys Imperial triumph (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Surbiton's Betts enjoys Imperial triumph

1:32pm Monday 30th January 2012 in Round-up

Surbiton cyclist Andy Betts may have secured his first win in the Imperial Winter Series but he believes it has come too late to challenge championship leader Jamie Pine for the title.

The 35-year-old Felt Colbornes rider won E/1/2/3 race in round ten of the series at the Hillingdon Circuit in London on Saturday edging ahead of breakaway rival Chris Moores in the final 25 metres of the uphill finish.

Betts attacked alone to hit the front on the 30 kilometre mark before Moore bridged the gap as the pair worked together to pull 50 seconds clear of the peloton, but it was the former who came out on top - despite leving it late.

“I wasn’t sure how it was going to go,” said elite race winner Andy Betts. “On the ride out I wasn’t feeling particularly sprightly, but things take a bit longer to warm up these days. But I got stuck in from the start to keep warm more than anything.

“There were quite a few attacks going and coming back, and I just kept having a go, and with eight laps left I got away and Chris Moores came across t me shortly afterwards, and we went for it.

“It’s great to win a race but I think it’s probably too late for anyone to challenge the leading two, there aren’t enough races left realistically. And to be honest it will need Jamie Pine to be a non-finisher for Steve Golla to overtake him.

“It’s a great series though and every race is different. It’s great practice for the season and now I’m with Felt Colbornes I’m keen to do well."