Alex Franks (Hillingdon Slipstreamers) seized the moment, notching up his first ever win in a National Series race after a three-man cat and mouse battle.

It was again a cautious and slow start to the race. There were several small attacks as riders tried to feel the bunch out, moves were soon chased down and it looked like the result would come from a bunch finish after an hour's racing.

Three riders decided to change things, initially instigated by Finlay Tarling (West Wales Cycle Racing Team) and joined by Franks and Jed Smithson (WORX Factory Racing).

The trio increased the pace and started putting clear daylight between themselves and the bunch.

As the laps passed and the gap increased it was clear these three would be in a sprint-off for the podium places.

The lead chopped and changed as the three riders took turns on the front and as they entered The Avenue for the final time there was nothing between them.

Franks admitted after the race that he couldn’t work as hard as Smithson and Tarling and was hoping to be in the mix at the end. The ploy worked as Franks outsprinted Smithson to take the win.

Tarling took third spot with Matthew Brennan (Stockton Wheelers CC) taking fourth in a bunch sprint.