NEWS FOR FEBRUARY

Silverbeck Rymer Eddie Soens Memorial

Saturday 1st March 2003 Aintree Racecourse
Organiser: Carl Lawrenson, Email: soens@ccs-uk.fsnet.co.uk;
Event website: www.ccs-uk.fsnet.co.uk

Classic event gets Merseyside Road Cycling season underway

Saturday 1st March sees the 42nd edition of the Eddie Soens Memorial Cycle Race, the now traditional opening event of the Merseyside road cycling calendar. Up to 150 riders will face a gruelling 50 mile race around Aintree�s famous Club Circuit, once the home of the British motor racing Grand Prix. The race is promoted by Kirkby Cycling Club with main sponsorship again coming from Liverpool solicitors Silverbeck Rymer, supported by Sefton Borough Council.

The race is named in memory of Eddie Soens, the legendary cycling coach who lived in St Helens and was a major force in the early career of Chris Boardman who went on to ride the Tour de France and win World and Olympic medals. It is certain that there will be a new name on the winners trophy this year, as Commonwealth Games medalist Tony Gibb - victor at Aintree for the last two years - is a non starter as he's away with the Great Britain team in Europe.

However the field is certainly not lacking in quality, featuring two Olympic and World Championship medalists in Chris Newton and Paul Manning. Julian Ramsbottom from Scunthorpe - who won the Soens in 2000 - will be hoping for a repeat success, but he definately won�t have it easy as 32 Elite and 1st Category riders are among the 121 entries received so far. While competitors come from all over the UK, the start list is also well populated with riders from cycling clubs in Merseyside and the North West.

Because the race is run on a handicap basis it gives a fair chance to riders from all racing categories, indeed the race was won by a woman � Julie Hill � back in 1991. This year there are three female competitors on the start line and they will each be hoping to emulate Julie�s feat. The race is a major objective for many riders as it provides a good indication of form after their winter lay-off. But strong legs aren�t the only factor in securing a good finishing position - the weather often plays a role in the outcome too. In recent years the race has experienced conditions varying from warm sunshine to biting winds and even hail storms!

The Major of Sefton (himself a keen cyclist) will drop the flag at 9.30am to start the race, assisted by Brian Cookson, the President of British Cycling. The winner is expected to cross the line just under two hours later. Spectator access and parking is free and the route to the course is signed from Junction 6 of the M57 motorway. Further details of the event can be found on the official website at www.ccs-uk.fsnet.co.uk, and a full result will be posted on the site soon after the race has finished.
Carl Lawrenson, Race Organiser

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