2025 Performance Cycles – South Cerney Kermesse: report and results
The Performance Cycles – South Cerney Kermesse served up 90 brisk kilometres of village-green drama on Sunday (25 May), as CJ O’Shea’s Sophie Holmes bridged to Caitlin Dimbleby’s mid-race attack, the pair carving out a minute’s lead before Holmes edged the sprint to seal consecutive weekend victories.
The Performance Cycles – South Cerney Kermesse served up 90 brisk kilometres of village-green drama on Sunday (25 May), as CJ O’Shea’s Sophie Holmes bridged to Caitlin Dimbleby’s mid-race attack, the pair carving out a minute’s lead before Holmes edged the sprint to seal consecutive weekend victories.
Featured image: Josh Wheeler / JoWSportsMedia
Report
The South Cerney Kermesse returned to the National B calendar on Sunday for the first time since COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2020. Staged alongside the village’s Duck Race & Street Fair, the women’s E/1/2/3 race National B race covered 12 fast laps of a flat, 7.5 km circuit and concluded on a barrier-lined straight outside the Manor House in the village centre.
Image: Josh Wheeler / JoWSportsMedia
The opening laps were subdued, with Smurfit Westrock keeping the pace steady. With breakaway opportunities limited by strong winds and a largely flat parcours, repeated solo probes were quickly neutralised.
Everything changed mid-race when Caitlin Dimbleby (Le Col Race Team) jumped clear. Sitting fifth wheel, Sophie Holmes (CJ O’Shea Racing) reacted immediately:
“When Caitlin went I knew it was the move,” Holmes said afterwards. “I said to Caitlin, if we commit we can stay away – and thankfully she was game,” Holmes told The British Continental afterwards.
Image: Josh Wheeler / JoWSportsMedia
Their co-operation proved decisive. The gap grew steadily—20 seconds, then 30, topping out at roughly one minute as Smurfit’s chase failed to organise. Holmes tried to slip clear with two kilometres remaining, but Dimbleby closed her down.
The pair entered the final corner together, where Holmes launched her sprint and held on to take her second victory in as many weekends, following her solo win at Banbury Star CC’s road race. Behind, Smurfit Westock CT’s Amelia Cebak rounded out the podium.
“I am pleased to take another win this weekend and for us to be able to hold off Smurfit,” Holmes concluded.
The Performance Cycles – South Cerney Kermesse served up 90 brisk kilometres of village-green drama on Sunday (25 May), as CJ O’Shea’s Sophie Holmes bridged to Caitlin Dimbleby’s mid-race attack, the pair carving out a minute’s lead before Holmes edged the sprint to seal consecutive weekend victories.
Featured image: Josh Wheeler / JoWSportsMedia
Report
The South Cerney Kermesse returned to the National B calendar on Sunday for the first time since COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2020. Staged alongside the village’s Duck Race & Street Fair, the women’s E/1/2/3 race National B race covered 12 fast laps of a flat, 7.5 km circuit and concluded on a barrier-lined straight outside the Manor House in the village centre.
The opening laps were subdued, with Smurfit Westrock keeping the pace steady. With breakaway opportunities limited by strong winds and a largely flat parcours, repeated solo probes were quickly neutralised.
Everything changed mid-race when Caitlin Dimbleby (Le Col Race Team) jumped clear. Sitting fifth wheel, Sophie Holmes (CJ O’Shea Racing) reacted immediately:
“When Caitlin went I knew it was the move,” Holmes said afterwards. “I said to Caitlin, if we commit we can stay away – and thankfully she was game,” Holmes told The British Continental afterwards.
Their co-operation proved decisive. The gap grew steadily—20 seconds, then 30, topping out at roughly one minute as Smurfit’s chase failed to organise. Holmes tried to slip clear with two kilometres remaining, but Dimbleby closed her down.
The pair entered the final corner together, where Holmes launched her sprint and held on to take her second victory in as many weekends, following her solo win at Banbury Star CC’s road race. Behind, Smurfit Westock CT’s Amelia Cebak rounded out the podium.
“I am pleased to take another win this weekend and for us to be able to hold off Smurfit,” Holmes concluded.
Results
Awaiting full results.
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