TONY KISS gained a deserved victory in the Cricklade Kermesse, attacking late on the last lap.

The Performance Cycles rider led home a one-two for the Poulton-based team as Dan Guest finished runner-up.

Kiss and Guest were part of a 12-man break that went away on the second of 15 3.4-mile laps around the historic Saxon town.

A group of four riders led by Lee Davis (Velosure-Giordana) tried to close the gap but chased in vain.

The adventurous dozen also included Luke Nolan (Live2Ride), Mark Perry and Charles Rees of the race promoters Ride 24/7 in Cirencester, Adrian Lawson (Cadence RT), Steve Thomas (Dream Cycling), Ross Evans (Radeon Cycling), David Billings (VC ST Raphael), Simon Coles (Norwood Paragon), Matt Dunsbeer (Veloton Team) and Tim Wiggins (Team Wiggle).

From 20 seconds on lap four, the gap increased to 1min 32sec on lap eight and eventually stretched to 2.45.

The flat course did nothing to deter a chase but the bunch lacked the organisation of the break.

Up front Kiss and Guest tested the legs of the other 10.

Charles Rees tried to get clear with a just over a lap to go, gaining a lead of 12 seconds.

Kiss closed the gap hoping to find an ally but Rees was cramping and looked spent, so Kiss was left to milk the finish on Cricklade High Street.

Kiss said: "Charles (Rees) attacked with a lap and half to go. I closed him down going up the little climb and I was hoping he was going to stay with me and we could work together but he was obviously a bit spent, so I just went straight past.

"We were working well together in the break and it felt good.

"I have had three months out with a broken wrist so I am really pleased.”

Guest added: “Tony gave me a win earlier in the season so I owed him one – this is the payback.”

Mark Clarke of Cricklade Council said: “We are really pleased to support the cycle race and think it is great for the town. We are all big cycling fans.”

RESULT: 1, Mike Kiss (Performance Cycles) 1:53.00; 2, Dan Guest (Performance Cycles); 3, Matt Dunsbeer (Veloton Team); 4, Steve Thomas (Dream Cycling); 5, Ross Evans (Radeon Cycling); 6, Simon Coles (Norwood Paragon); 7, Adrian Lawson (Cadence RT); 8 David Billings (VC St Raphael); 9, Tim Wiggins (Team Wiggle); 10, Luke Nolan (Live 2ride).

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