Cece Liu secured an impressive third place in the women’s 3/4 race before Tom Evans raced away to a sensational victory in the open 3/4 shootout.
Both riders were applauded on stage for their efforts in post-race celebrations, as the club produced a strong turnout across three of the day’s four races on Sunday 24 August.
Emma Pike, who animated much of the women’s 3/4, crossed the line in 8th, while Lavinia Chiodi Daelli and Alissa Gray battled hard in a fast field of 21 starters.
Cece went into the race fresh off a third place overall in the women’s individual standings of the 2025 West Thames League championships.
There were also top half finishes for Davide Richardson (18th), Maciej Kaznowski (21st), and Jodok Amstad-Kua (31st) in a massive 76-rider open 3/4 field.
‘I was completely cooked’: Tom reflects post-race
Tom admitted he was a “little apprehensive” going into the race, given his previous experience up to that point had only been at Hillingdon.
Reflecting post-race, he said: “The sighting lap was manic. From lap one, my heart rate was close to max and it only went up from there. The course was fast and relatively technical, and while I felt okay mid-race, I realised I was probably chasing a bit too much.
“There were a few sketchy moments – kerbs appearing out of nowhere, and some close calls with the barriers (twice) – but I managed to hold it together.”
Coming into the final lap, Tom was “completely cooked”, he said, and tried to reel back in a Cambridge University rider.
But it all played to his advantage as a small group came past and he was able to latch as they approached the final corner.
He added: “I took a wider line than those in front of me and maintained speed which gave me a little edge. I managed to slingshot out of the other riders, slipstream, and pass for the win.
“The support from my fellow Dynamos was ringing in my ears every lap down the finishing straight and they went crazy as I came across the line. It was an incredible feeling; I’ve not won anything before!”
The E/1/2 saw 59 riders cross the line out of 71 starters on the city’s narrow streets.
Alex Mutter placed a solid 33rd, while Owain Williams and Rodrigo Mattiuz were unlucky to be pulled out. Owain suffered a mechanical and Rodrigo fought to stay with the relentless pace.
Despite it all, Dynamos acquitted themselves well in one of the toughest crits this year.
Well done to all the racers involved!
