Making it 3 wins in a row Mark Lovatt took the overall lead
in the Premier Calendar race series by winning the Havant GP from Brian Kenneally
(FBD milk ras 2000 stage winner) in a sprint finish.



From the very start team mates John Tanner and Mark Lovatt had to make major efforts
to catch up to the main group after missing an early split. Lovatt bridged the gap
first, then Tanner a few miles later, both joining team mate Wayne Randle at the
front of affairs.



For the next 20 miles there were plenty of attacks but all came to nothing until
Lovatt and Kenneally broke clear. With both riders totally committed to the move
they extended their gap over the bunch to 2 minutes, at which point a 5 man chase
group formed. The group included Tanner, Belgium based Rob Hurd and German, Heiko
Szonn.



The chase group had no effect on the leading duo who actually put another minute
into their pursuers, on hearing this news Tanner attacked and dropped his companions
and set off in lone pursuit. On hearing that Tanner was attempting to bridge the
gap, Lovatt stopped working with Kenneally who continued to tow Lovatt along at relentless
pace. Tanner had mistimed his effort and the finale was a 2 man sprint, which Lovatt
easily won after the duos 60 mile effort.



Tanner came in 3rd and team mate Wayne Randle came in 11th, therefore taking the
team prize also.