The Team that took the Tour Series by Storm

The Team that took the Tour Series by storm!

Pro-Noctis – Redchilli Bikes – Heidi Kjeldsen was a team on its first outing at this month’s Tour Series, Britains leading televised series of cycle races. 

However, by the end of round 1 at Guisborough on the 8 August, Lincoln rider Jo Tindley was already leading the sprints competition. 

The team which was established in 2020 by former competitive cyclist Rick Lister, also from Lincoln, has received support from Melton Mowbray company Heidi Kjeldsen.

I’ve followed them on social media and watched the videos etc. Love seeing the girls doing well and trying so hard.

The reason I am happy to sponsor these ladies is because I know how hard it is as a woman in business to have your achievements recognised. I wanted to support these brave, talented women who want to have their dreams realised.

Sponsor Heidi Kjeldsen

Going into Round 2 at Sunderland on 10 August, and the team were placed 2nd in the team standings, however, the departure of series leaders Team GB to the European Championships, meant Pro-Noctis- Redchilli Bikes – Heidi Kjeldsen lined up for the second round in the yellow jerseys.

Round 2 was a fast and furious, square circuit, which saw Tindley who is one of the most experienced riders in the British peloton score maximum points in the first sprint lap. In the second sprint lap Tindley scored maximum points again backed by team riders Corrine Side and Amy Garnall who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively, Tindley finished round 2 with an impressive 11 points lead over 2nd place in the sprint contest.

Going into round 3 at Castle Douglas the new team on the block led the team standings by 1 point over rivals Cams Basso.

The 1.4km race at Castle Douglas was the third and final round for the 2021 Tour Series, which saw a shorter than usual series. Going into the final round the team were on course to win.

Tindley placed once more in both sprint laps, securing the blue jersey sprints competition and with all 5 riders in the leading group, the team were in a fighting position. Unfortunately, four corners from the finish a fall from a rider from another team separated the girls.

The final race of the series was won by Cams Basso rider Meg Barker, with Tindley placing 2nd for the third time in the series. Fellow Pro-Noctis- Redchilli Bikes- Heidi Kjeldsen rider Amy Gornall sprinted in for 6th, and Corrine Side, Samantha Fawcett and Charlotte Berry achieved 8th, 11th and 16th placings respectively.

All 5 riders were placed in the top 16 so it looked like the team may well have secured victory. However, a 2-second gap between 4th and 5th placings, caused by the fall on the final round, cost the team dearly, putting the team back on equal points, with favourites Cams Basso as the result is based on the teams first 3 riders across the line.

Based on the number of rounds won the championships title went to Cams Basso.

We nearly did it, so close to winning the Tour Series in our first year. The girls did their best, they raced harder than I’ve seen them race before and gave everything for the team and although sad not to win we are proud to have lost by the smallest of margins to a big-budget team.

Jo was crowned as the winner of the sprint competition having led the competition from start to finish so our main objective was realised thanks to fantastic teamwork from all the girls.

As always I feel I have to thank all our terrific sponsors and helpers, without you people behind us we could not race at this level and finally my riders who impress me at every race and always give 100%.

Team Manager Rick Lister

The full highlights programmes can be found on the ITV Hub here:https://www.itv.com/hub/cycling-tour-series-highlights/2a3664a0063

You can support the team this season via Just Giving by searching for FinishlineRT. Proceeds help to cover the costs of racing, travel, equipment and accommodation.For more information on the team visit https://linktr.ee/Finishlinert