The 58th Lincoln Grand Prix (the longest running in the premier calendar) didn’t stray too far from its traditions. The entire race is completed on a city centre based eight mile loop covered 13 times.
Posted On: 13th May, 2013
The 58th Lincoln Grand Prix (the longest running in the premier calendar) didn’t stray too far from its traditions. The entire race is completed on a city centre based eight mile loop covered 13 times. The riders have to negotiate the 16% cobbled gradients on the famous Michaelgate Road each lap, with the finish at the top in the atmospheric city centre.
The racing was a little different today from the previous Premier Calendar races. With the riders knowing there was a very narrow difficult climb to negotiate each lap ensured the speed was very fast but less breakaways were getting clear. Instead the selection was made from the back of the group. After only two laps the massive 160 rider main group was reduced by half with the whole Madison Genesis team attentive at the front.
By half distance the group was a select 40 riders with six of the team there. The attacks came thick and fast with Team Sky rider Peter Kennaugh (Guest for the Isle of Man team) launching several blistering attacks on the climb. Team rider Andy Tennant covered several of the attacks before an untimely and very nasty crash - which saw him visit A&E later that day - ended his chases.
With four laps to go, three riders went clear including Peter Kennaugh and established a one minute lead. They worked well together and with the rain hampering the chase being driven by the Madison Genesis boys, they were able to maintain their advantage. However the pressure wasn’t without consequences - Tom Skully was dropped from the leading group meaning the chasers were now riding for a podium spot and on the penultimate climb, team rider Liam Holohan attacked from the chasing group taking a small group with him. With two riders up the road only one of the five chasers was going to stand on the podium. Liam made a massive effort up the last climb but, with the now rain soaked cobbles and his light-weight, he struggled for grip ending up in a very impressive sixth place.
"As ever the Lincoln GP was a tough event with very few of the starters finishing. It was great to be at the sharp end in the final racing in front of the fantastic crowds."
Team Rider - Liam Holohan
"I’m pleased with how the team rode today. We covered all the moves in the beginning and made sure we had strength in numbers late on into the race. Unfortunately to lose a key rider in a crash is never good but the rest of the team compensated well and chased the dangerous move that was potentially going to take all the top 10 spots. Kennaugh and Bialoblocki were immensely strong today so to be in with the fight for the final podium spot with three riders was a great team performance. We’re looking forward to the Pearl Izumi Tour Series now!"
Team Manager – Roger Hammond
Click here for a full race report
Photos By Andy Jones