Cycling: Success for Thwaites after frantic finish

Scott Thwaites maintained the stranglehold of Livingston-based Endura Racing on British road racing this season when he sprinted to victory in an action-packed opening round of the Halfords Tour Series in Kirkcaldy last night.

With all ten teams desperate to make a winning start to the 12-round series, the one hour 15 minute-race unfolded at a fierce pace. Rapha Condor Sharp worked hard to steer Lothians-based rider James McCallum to the front of the proceedings, but as was the case with all attempted breaks, their effort was reeled in and a large bunch remained in contention at the bell. The final lap of the 1.4 kilometre circuit saw several teams jostling for the lead but the outcome was only decided in a frantic finish along the seafront in the Fife town, as Thwaites powered home to snatch the win ahead of Bernard Sulzberger (Team Raleigh) and Rico Rogers (Node4).

Endura emerged victorious in the team competition, with Marcel Six (Metaltek Scott) winning the Boardman Bikes Sprints jersey. The second round takes place in Durham tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Stuart Balfour of Edinburgh Road Club and Flora Gillies (Peebles CC) took the honours in the youths support events.