2008 News Archive
2007 News Archive
Plowman Craven Evans Cycles narrow miss in Lincoln GP
13th May 2007
Plowman Craven Evans Cycles narrowly missed out on a third Premier Calendar win of the season when local rider Dean Downing of Rapha Condor outsprinted Gordon McCauley to take the Lincoln GP this weekend.
The pair escaped when McCauley attacked a leading group of 16 riders at the bottom of Michaelgate Hill, in the shadow of Lincoln Castle, just before the start of the last of 11 laps in the 86 mile race. Quickly gaining a 10 second gap they continued to make ground on the strong chasing group, gaining a 35 second advantage as they reached the final ascent of the brutal 1 in 6 climb with less than half a km to go. With the cobbled climb wet from the continuous heavy rain that had fallen throughout most of the race, Downing attacked halfway up the hill and managed to gain a bike length. In typical fashion McCauley responded strongly causing his wheel to spin on the slippery cobbles, but despite gaining on Downing with every pedal stroke he was unable to pass him.
Photo © British Cycling | McCauley can't quite catch Downing...
As the 149 starters in the 52nd edition of the event wound their way through the historic City centre at an average speed of over 24 mph, there were several early retirements due to mechanical problems and punctures. The poor conditions and tight corners caused an early crash which brought down a number of riders including Plowman Craven Evans Cycles rider Kevin Barclay, who remounted but later abandoned, as did many of the field, the same corner later claiming the experienced Matt Stephens (Sigma Sport). After a break of a dozen or so riders in the first few laps was quickly brought back, the race saw rider after rider attacking until a group of 16 got clear at around halfway. The group, which included Chris Newton (recycling) Ian Wilkinson (SiS/Trek), Matt Talbot (Rapha Condor), Rob Hayles (KLR), Alex Dowsett (100% ME), Matt Stephens (Sigma Sport) and Robin Sharman (KFS Special vehicles), steadily gained almost 5 minutes on the chasing peleton of some 60 riders. But despite the quality names the rest of the breakaway were unable to do much to catch McCauley and Downing once they went. The podium positions were completed when Russell Downing of Healthnet, winner of the race in 2005, took third place alongside his younger brother, just over half a minute down on the leaders time of 3 hr 22 mins. McCauley's Plowman Craven Evans Cycles team mate Freddie Johansson finished in 23rd place, 7 ½ minutes down in the main group, having worked hard all day for the team. In all there were 90 finishers, including some 30 riders who were pulled out in the last lap by the commisaires.
Afterwards McCauley congratulated Downing on his victory, saying the Rapha Condor rider had been the stronger on the day and giving him credit for the work he did in their decisive breakaway. He also praised his Plowman Craven Evans Cycles team mates for working hard to help him get to the front of the race.
"It was a hard race today, and the rain made it even more difficult," commented the 35 year old McCauley. "I had a wheel spin last time up the climb which cost me a real chance, but Dean deserved his win. I predicted that the cobbled climbs would be where the race would be won, and despite just loosing out I'm pleased with how I went, especially since I've had a chest infection and been on antibiotics this last week."
"Plowman Craven Evans Cycles team rode really well today, working like a pro European squad, with the boys ensuring I was in the perfect position to start the climb each lap. Tony Gibb in particular drove the first few laps like a train. To get so close and not win is frustrating, but I know my first Premier Calendar win of the season can’t be too far away."
Although disappointed with such a close second place and despite being caught in what he described as a "Downing sandwich", Kiwi McCauley managed a smile as he consoled himself with the knowledge that at least he had "beaten the Aussies", a reference to the New South Wales Institute of Sport team riding the race.
McCauley and his team mates strong form bodes well for Plowman Craven Evans Cycles as they travel to Belgium this Thursday (16th May) to ride the one day Puivelde Kermesse, a race McCauley won in 2002. Next weekend (20th May) the team compete in the Crawley town centre criterium. The team will be trying out their new Fulcrum Wheels supplied by Jim Walker Cycles, and a full review will follow soon.
» view full race calender - click here
You can watch cycling.tv's coverage of the Lincoln GP on Eurosport next Sunday (20th May), including exciting new 3D graphics of the race route provided by Plowman Craven.
Results:
1. Dean Downing, Rapha Condor
2. Gordon McCauley, Plowman Craven/Evans Cycles
3. Russell Downing, Healthnet
4. Christ Newton, Recycling.co.uk
5. Jonathon Dayus, Arctic Shorter Rochford
6. Peter Mcdonald, NSWIS
7. Ian Wilkinson, SiS/Trek
8. Matt Talbot, Rapha Condor
9. Rob Hayles, KLR
10. Alex Dowsett, 100% ME
11. Andrew Roche, Pinarello
12. Matt Stephens, Sigma Sport
13. Liam Holoham, Merlin
14. Robin Sharman, KFS Special vehicles
15. Wayne Randle, Sportscover
16. Richard Wikinson, Rapha Condor
17. John Tanner, Sportscover
18. Tim Lawson, SiS/Trek
19. Simon Holt, Recycling.co.uk
20. Mark Wordsworth, JE James
More information from Jonathan O’Neil: +44 (0) 7956250837 or click here
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