If the last Tour Series race seems like it was only yesterday – it’s because it was. But the riders were raring to go for another 45 minute action packed crit race, this time in Croydon.

After a solo breakaway by Alice Barnes (Drops Cycling) succeeded in Stevevenage, round five of the six race Matrix Fitness GP came down to a bunch sprint, which was won by Grace Garner of Podium Ambition.

The course was tight and technical, and thunderstorms during the day meant to the roads were wet, too.

The race stayed together initially, but come the first sprint lap, Grace Garner pulled away – taking the points ahead of Nikki Juniper (Team Ford Eco Boost) and on-form Barnes (Drops).

Garner didn’t seem to be after the sprints points alone – extending her lead to 10 seconds and riding hard to get away. However, a solo break is tough and she was brought back to the bunch.

The second points lap went to Sprint Jersey wearer Juniper, with team mate Charlotte Broughton in second and Garner third. Following the scramble for the line, Garner and Barnes used the opportunity to make a break, but they were quickly swallowed back into the bunch as a select group made their way towards the finish.

As the lap board counted down to 3, 2, and finally 1 – the battle for the line went to Garner, with Barnes in second and Juniper in third.

The result means that Drops maintain their overall lead of the Team Competition, though Podium Ambition are snapping at their heels. Juniper holds on to the Sprint leader’s jersey, and there’s just one more round to go – in Portsmouth on Thursday.