Jessica Roberts impresses to win Portsmouth round of the Tour Series
	June 15th 2016         Jessica Roberts celebrates her solo victory in Portsmouth. Photo: SweetSpot           First year junior Jessica Roberts surprised many including herself when she claimed a stunning solo victory at the final round of the Matrix Fitness GP Series, in Portsmouth. The final round of the Tour Series, was just Roberts second of the series but despite the strength of the field she was eager to chase a result following her second place finish at round two. "The races are always pretty fast and exciting so I just wanted to get stuck in, the same as in Redditch and see if I could get a good result again. "I didn't really plan to attack, I just saw a moment to go and thought I had nothing to lose so went for it," Roberts explained. "When I first went I thought this is probably a bit early. But there was a part on the course where I could see the bunch on the other side and one lap I couldn't, so then I thought maybe I could do this. After spending half the 45 minute race solo off the front, Roberts had time to take the moment in as she crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of second place finisher Grace Garner. "It felt really good", Roberts said of crossing the line. "I'd been away for quite a while and gave it everything so I was really happy I managed to stay away and cross the line solo, the noise from the crowd coming down the finishing straight was amazing!" The success of her solo move surprised Roberts who while a noted time trialist, is in her first year under 18 and up against some of the strongest domestic elite riders in Great Britain. "I didn't think I could stay out for that long so I was surprised that I managed to stay out there until the end. "To win my first tour series solo, as a first year junior is pretty cool!" Jessica Roberts all smiles on the podium. Photo: SweetSpot The Tour Series win was just part of a big week for the rising star as she was named as part of a strong Great Britain team to contest both the European and Junior Track World Championships in July. "It's means a lot," Roberts was quick to mention on being selected in the team. "I've always wanted to represent GB at one of these events and to get the opportunity to is really special. I can't wait!!" Selection on the track means Robert's road ambitions will be temporarily put aside the next two months. "I'm focusing on those two events now. Our last training camp before we leave will be at the end of June with lots of specific work on the track."