ED Bradbury claimed a superb solo success in a wet and windy Chorley GP on Saturday as East Lancashire favourite Ian Wilkinson won the sprints title.
NFTO rider Bradbury broke away from the leading group in the final 20km of the opening Spring Cup meeting of the season to take the victory ahead of teammate Dale Appleby with Pedal Heaven's Dexter Gardias third.
Barnoldswick's Wilkinson, who was part of the day's early break, mopped enough sprint points to win that competition with Gardias crowned king of the mountains.
But the day belonged to 20-year-old Bradbury whose show of solo strength in the closing stages of the 116-mile race made him a worthy winner.
“I’m over the moon, I couldn’t believe it,” said Bradbury. “I went with about 20 kilometres to go and really had to dig deep. I kept getting time checks in the last two kilometres saying I had 30 seconds lead so I probably had enough time to sit up, but I just kept going because I didn’t want to risk it."
Chorley's Brad Morgan finished in 28th for Wheelbase Altura.
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