2008 News Archive
2007 News Archive
Richardson takes podium place in the Lincoln GP
16th May 2008
Team Plowman Craven competed in a classic edition of the Lincoln Grand Prix held around the picturesque Cathedral city in a race that drew thousands of eager spectators.
With the aim of leading the race and the protected riders from the team into the bottom of the Michaelgate, the boys in Pink and Blue took up the lead 4 miles from the bottom off the steep cobbled climb as they battled with the Rapha team for control. As the race hit the cobbles Plowman Craven were in control of the race as Tony Gibb led the team on to the slopes, even at this early stage of the race the pressure was showing and group of 10 riders went clear and 30 riders at the rear of the peleton were never to see the race again.
The race continued to follow this pattern, with the speed so high attacks were allowed only a brief freedom before returning to the peleton. Each time the race hit the bottom of Michaelgate it was led by a Plowman Craven rider stringing out the peleton behind. Now with 60km covered the pressure was telling and a group went clear over the top of the climb. With team member Simon Richardson present, Plowman Craven were sitting at the front of the group in an attempt to send Simon Gaywood across the gap to assist Richardson. The riders descended out of the historic town centre and on to the main road as they exited the turn Plowman Craven ignited in a bid to launch Gaywood across the gap each rider taking his turn to reach top speed before peeling off. The lead group could be seen charging through the square at the top of the climb with Gaywood following tantalizingly close behind.
The group sensed Gaywood's presence and Halfords rider Rob Hayles went to the front to prevent Gaywood from joining Richardson and strengthening the team's chances. Gaywood's efforts told and he slipped back to the remnants of the peleton after his valiant effort.
The race would now be decided from the star studded lead group, as one by one they attempted to shed riders to improve their chances. Despite the aggressive riding the core of the group remained intact as they hit the bottom of Michaelgate for the penultimate time, this time however Russell Downing sensed the time was right and launched himself up the right hand side of the cobbled climb. Downing blasted up the climb and both Richardson and brother Dean Downing made their bids to join him making contact a few miles later. Now the tactics began to unfold with Dean Downing a passenger thanks to the presence of team mate Chris Newton in the group behind, it was up to Richardson and Russell Downing to share the work load as they entered the final miles.
The trio now hit the bottom of the final climb to the finish it was Dean Downing who made his bid for freedom gaining a small advantage, Russell gave chase on the opposite side of the road followed by Richardson. With only 400metres remaining Russell accelerated again passing brother Dean with Richardson closing in, as they hit the finish line it was Russell Downing who took the win a few meters ahead of Dean Downing and Simon Richardson.
After his podium presentation in the historic square Richardson discussed his race "The team all put in sterling work on the front of the bunch, which gave me a free ride in the early break. I was hoping to capitalise on my freshness and actually get the measure of Russ Downing this time. Unfortunately that last climb was just one too many. But I feel like my form is improving week on week and I'm getting closer to that illusive win."
Team Manager Garry Beckett commented "We really took control of the race to keep our protected riders at the head of affairs at the crucial times. Simon did a great job today and really took the race to the Downing brothers it was unfortunate that this was not his day, but I am sure it's just around the corner."
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