Kay dominates 'Belgian' race in Skipton

A tough and muddy course provided a true test for round-two Trophy winners Kay and Michels

- Snowdon Sports, Tom Davidson

Round two of the National Trophy Series cyclo-cross in North Yorkshire was the perfect test for riders preparing to challenge on the Continent.

Anna Kay took her fourth win of the season on British soil ahead of a season racing in Europe. Kay, 24, opened her European season last weekend when she finished ninth on a hot and dusty Bergen course in Belgium, and Yorkshire provided a stark contrast with mud and cold temperatures.

Riding for the Cyclocross Reds team, Kay said that the course had a Belgium feel like a “mini Overijse”. However, Kay didn’t have everything her own way and was kept at arm’s length by teenager Elena Day who finished 28 seconds behind. Alderney Baker completed the top three, beating 18-year-old Hope Inglis for the final podium spot.

“It was such a hard course, you’re either descending, pushing up hills or running in the mud,” said Kay. “It was good preparation for what’s to come. I wanted to ride my own race and go off from the start and get out of trouble.

“Halfway through there was a gap and I just tried to keep it steady. I tried to manage it and focus on my legs rather than what was behind me.