RICHARDSONS-TREK Road Team secured their best result of the season as Luke Ryan broke away to triumph at the Louwe Koerse in Belgium.

The 27-year-old excelled having got into the break and stormed away from his nearest competitors in a strong international field to cross the line with his arms aloft, 40 seconds ahead of his rivals.

Ryan, who has been with the Leigh based amateur team for six years, rode alone for the final 25km after some excellent work from team-mates Peter Cocker, Ollie Maxwell, Simon Alexander and Matt Clements.

And the Richardsons-TREK road captain was lauded by team manager Andy Lyons after his efforts in Belgium.

“It was a typical kermesse which is where Luke is at his best,” said Lyons. “There are a lot of races in Belgium and they are good for us as we are able to enter at short-notice.

“He got in the break on a windy day and we had four riders in the break, which put us in a very strong position.

“Luke made the front group once that group had split and he was able to hold onto his lead impressively.

“It was the team’s best win of the season so far.

“Luke works full time and the difference between a 120km race and a 160km race is considerable. It is hard to train your body for longer stretches and he deserves his success.”

The remainder of the Richardsons-TREK group caught up with the rest of the breakaway, with Maxwell finishing sixth ahead of his team-mates.

Lyons said he was pleased with the team’s performances so far this year, with the Tour Series just around the corner.

Richardsons-TREK will race in Stevenage on Bank Holiday Monday before heading to Wembley Park the following day and Salisbury next Thursday.

“It’s a solid year so far,” he said. “It is the strongest team we have ever had but, as is the way in amateur cycling, life gets in the way sometimes.

“We have the National Road Race Championships in Northumberland coming up as well.

“We are currently ranked the eighth ranked team in the country, based on points per race, which we are extremely proud of.

“But Luke’s win was a superb day out for the team and gives them confidence ahead of the Tour Series and the National Road race next month.”

>Highlights of the Tour Series are broadcast on ITV4 on Thursday, May 31, Friday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 6.