“Women’s racing isn’t exciting” and “breaks never stick, the riders always give up” are two lines we hear far too often. Tonight both statements were proved untrue. 

The women’s Matrix Fitness GP series that runs alongside the men’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series got underway this evening with Eileen Roe taking the first win.

The series sees UK teams racing across the country, in exciting town and city centre criterium events that ensure the crowds see the competitors over and over again as the action unravels.

The women will race six events, competing for an overall team prize, overall individual win, and overall sprint jersey as well as of course glory at individual events.

It was Eileen Roe of Lares-Waowdeals who took that glory tonight after an exciting breakaway of four riders, instigated by Alice Barnes of Drops Cycling, formed early on in the 45 minute race and stayed away until the finish.

The four successful breakaway riders were Roe, plus last year’s winner Nikki Juniper (Team Ford Ecoboost), Alice Barnes (Drops Cycling), and Annasley Park (Team Breeze).

Despite the break forming so early in the race, their lead far from fell – in fact it increased gradually, peaking at almost half a minute over the short course.

Our lead group in the @MatrixFitnessUK GP Series #Motherwell pic.twitter.com/cMPqtTt0SO

— The Tour Series (@TourSeries) May 17, 2016

Along the way, Barnes picked up both intermediate sprint wins. However, in the final charge for the line it was Roe who had the strongest legs, with Barnes in second and Juniper third.

So pleased to take the team prize @TourSeries #ColourTheRoad pic.twitter.com/0RVtCU9eF9

— Drops (@dropscycling) May 17, 2016

Overall placings through the peloton put brand new UCI team Drops Cycling in the lead in the team competition whilst Barnes picked up the Sprint jersey.

Want to get closer to the next race? Here’s more info about where they’ll be, plus the chance to win tickets to the final event in Portsmouth.