Guernsey riders among the main contenders in the Rubis Jersey Town Criterium race for pro-elite and category one and two riders. (Picture by Rob Currie, 0782985)

A STRONG contingent of Guernsey’s top riders travelled to Jersey for the Jersey Town Centre Criterium and 90km Road Race.

Both events were National B races and attracted a number of the country’s top road riders, which included former Olympians, pro tour riders and Commonwealth Games medallists.

The Guernsey riders were in for a tough weekend of riding and just staying with the top riders would be a result in itself.

Five races were scheduled for Sunday afternoon finishing with the main event which all the Guernsey riders were competing in.

Josh Gosselin, James McLaughlin, Stuart Le Tissier, Matt and Jon Osborn and Philip Touzeau all lined up on the start line with the UK and Jersey riders.

Following a number of ‘easy’ laps the pace soon began to build around the tight technical circuit as the lead riders accelerated relentlessly out of every corner.

The race was quickly strung out with riders struggling to hang off the back of the pack and after about 15 minutes of racing Jon Osborn, Philip Touzeau and Matt Osborn had been dropped by the lead group.