Barras isn't idle after American trip

2:21pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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After a tough few weeks of racing in America, Keighley professional Tom Barras returns to England for another race this weekend, but things aren't about to get any easier for the Plowman Craven cyclist.

The team's visit to America, which was planned to keep their race fitness ticking over while the domestic Premier Calendar series took a four-week break, ended with the team taking first and second in the Sea Otter Classic road race in Monterey, California.

The previous week they had managed to get one of their riders into second spot in the Isla Vista Criterium, but their results in the Redlands Classic were disappointing, with five of the six riders crashing on the final stage.

During the Sea Otter Classic, Barras was tasked with getting his team-mates Evan Oliphant and Simon Richardson into a good position to challenge for the win, but with the pace high the race fragmented, with the last man in the field finishing 21 minutes behind the winner.

"During the team talk prior to the road race, we decided to force an early selection with a strong showing from us," explained Barras.

"The course was hilly and twisty which suited a small group. With Simon Gaywood, Simon Richardson and eventual winner Evan Oliphant in a split of ten, it was game over for the rest of us.

"I had started the day with a sore throat so once the break had gone, I had enough confidence in my team that I retired for the day.

"Evan's win was great for the team, and showed that we can deal with the best teams in the USA, beating a full team of Rock Racing, Slipstream and Successful Living."

After returning to Britain, Barras is part of the Plowman Craven team which will tackle the Melton Classic in the East Midlands.

The tough 158-kilometre race in Rutland features sections of rough dirt tracks as well as roads, and is sure to prove a stern test for even the best bike racer.

Last year's winner Malcolm Elliott from Sheffield will ride once again, alongside his Pinarello Racing Team colleagues, but Barras and his Plowman Craven team-mates will be out to stop him making it two wins in two years.