LEWIS Martin claimed a fine fifth place in the Leazes Criterium on Friday. The Newcastle event was part of the Northern Rock Cyclone cycling festival and the Hardrock Cycling Club member was up against 40 other competitors in the Youth C event. The race circuit was in good condition and flowed really fast, with one long hill to climb with a fast descent on the other side. The entire course was railed off, making it very tight. Lewis found himself at the back of the field as they waited for the start and as soon as things got underway he got stuck behind a crash involving several riders. He was forced to wait until it was cleared before getting his race underway and he set off on a mission to chase down the rest of the field. For the entire first lap, Lewis did not catch sight of any riders in front of him and he was on his own trying to make up lost ground. During the next lap he could see the peleton in front of him and after catching it, went straight to the front. He spent a lot of time setting the pace at the front of a group of eight riders who were trying to catch two riders leading the race. As the race progressed, Lewis’ group dropped another two riders and when the bell went for the last lap it was clear they weren’t going to catch the leaders. The battle for the minor positions came down to a sprint finish and Lewis took fifth place overall. Afterwards he was delighted to be mixing with some top British riders, including Mark Cavendish and Dean Downing, who were there for the Elite race. | 
