HARRY Tanfield survived the "carnage" of an end of race crash to grab a superb podium finish at the East Cleveland Klondike GP.

After more than 90 miles in the saddle, setting off from Guisborough and racing around East Cleveland's towns and villages, honours were decided by a final sprint along the High Street, with Chris Latham of Team Wiggins (3:59.16), pipping Enrique Sanz (Raleigh GAC) and BIKE Channel Canyon rider Tanfield.

The Northern Echo:

Charlie and Harry Tanfield after the race. Picture: MATT WESTCOTT

In a field featuring 140 riders from the country's top cycling teams, Tanfield's success in this first race of the HSBC Spring Cup Series is not to be underestimated.

It was even better for his watching mother as the Great Ayton rider's older brother Charlie got in on the act as well, grabbing the King of the Mountains trophy.

After an attritional race that featured several moments of drama, including a pile-up just a couple of kilometres in, Tanfield, two years the junior of his KOM sibling, found himself up with the leaders with the climax approaching.

It was fortunate he was, given what unfolded just yards behind him.

"There was a crash with about 800 to go, it was just carnage because it had all come back together on the descent after Skelton," said Harry.

"There was a lot of guys fighting for the wheels - it was just carnage on the way in, a massive crash, all away across the road. Thankfully, I was third wheel at the front so I was out of the way.

"I didn't look round, but I heard the bang and tyres blowing out and people laying on the floor. It sounded grim to be involved in."

Tanfield said he was about sixth coming into the final corner, but trusted his local knowledge.

"It was so good that I knew the roads. I have never raced the corners before but I know them and I just shot straight up the inside of everyone and got on Chris' wheel," he said. "It is a long way to this line and just ran out of gas to roll the Raleigh rider (Sanz)."

Tanfield said these were the kind of days he dreamed of during hours of hard slog on his home roads.

"There was no way I would have thought coming in to this I would be on the podium," he said. "It's outrageous really - I am chuffed to bits."

He also reserved some praise for his brother who rides for rival team Brother NRG Driverplan, "He was in the breakaway. I had to go out on the front to try and bring him back," he said. "It was good he got the KOM award - it was a sound day out really."