Jebb's Sixth Equals Gould's Record

 

45th 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross

24 September 2006, Helwith Bridge

Images & Report, Andrew Kennedy

 

Picture Right: The 45th 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross was won by Rob Jebb (Wheelbase-Ron Hill), with Dave Collins (Scott UK) - right - second, and Lewis Craven (Wheelbase-Ron Hill) - left - third

 

Results: (Link to ukresults.net) >>>>

 

Link: Official 3-Peaks Website www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk

 

Rob Jebb was again a popular winner in the classic 3-Peaks event, held around Horton-in-Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire. He has now equalled Tim Gould's record of 6 successive wins. The traditional cyclo-cross season opener was held in near perfect conditions, with early mist and drizzle lifting in late morning to reveal the stunning Yorkshire scenery in all it's glory.

The full field of over 400 riders raced across Ingleborough (723m), Whernside (736m) and Pen-y-Ghent (694m) before reaching the finish at Helwith Bridge having completed 61 kilometres.  Winner Jebb covered the course in 3.00.56, nearly nine minutes ahead of second placed rider Dave Collins.  Isla Rowntree (Stourbridge CC-Parker Int) was the winner of the women's event in a time of 4.04.02. John Wilkinson (Dinnington RC-Tri Extreme) was the first veteran, with a winning time of 3.26.50

The 3 Peak riders continue to equal and set new records, as well as winner Jebb equalling Tim Gould's record of 6 successive wins, John Dowell (Gainsborough Aegir CC) is now the oldest competitor to have completed the race. 71 year old Dowell finished in a time of 5.24.08, with over 50 riders behind him. John Rawnsley and his large team of dedicated volunteers once again organised a first class event, that continues to attract a top quality field. This year's event was being filmed by a BBC crew, and will be shown as part of a future 'Country File' programme with John Craven.


Road man Ian Wilkinson (SIS) leads the field up through Gill Garth Farm at the start of the first climb of the day Ingleborough. The main contenders Rob Jebb, Nick Craig, Dave Collins and Lewis Craven are all at the head of the bunch.


The lower slopes of Ingleborough saw the majority of riders dismounting for the first time.


Isla Rowntree winner of the women's event, climbing Ingleborough.


The summit of Ingleborough is shrouded in mist as the riders snake their way up.


Rob Jebb descends the second climb of Whernside past the dramatic backdrop of Ribblehead viaduct. His lead at this point was over three minutes, he looked effortless as he flew over the rough terrain.


Dave Collins and Lewis Craven rode off Whernside together as they chased Jebb towards the final climb of Pen y Ghent.


Nick Craig had been tipped as a strong contender to end Jebb's domination of the event. However the Scott UK rider suffered a mechanical problem between Ingleborough and Whernside, and was spotted at the side of the track tightening his shoe cleats. He lost valuable time and came off Whernside in fourth place. Craig continued to chase hard towards the final climb of Pen-y-Ghent refusing to give up a possible podium position.

 

Robert Thackray (Paul Milnes RT-Bradford Olympic CC) was in determined mood as he chased the leaders off Whernside. The Bradford rider and his brother Richard have ridden the Three Peaks race over 10 times each, they know the course like the back of their hands and had a huge advantage on the mist covered summits.


Team helpers were kept busy racing between the 3 peaks, many riders came off the hills with punctures and mechanical problems. The support teams followed a special designated road route to meet their riders at the foot of each climb. Scott UK with six riders to look after had a well organised, but even they couldn't be everywhere, as Nick Craig found out.


Richard Thackray (Paul Milnes RT) gives a master class in descending a steep uneven path off Whernside.



As other riders take a more cautious, but still effective route down the hillside.


Rob Jebb rides away from everybody as he begins the final climb of Pen-y-Ghent.


Pen-y-Ghent, the organisers claim that most of the tracks on the course are ridable, this rider would probably disagree. The 61 kilometre course deadens the legs and saps energy from the fittest cyclo-cross riders. Although what goes up must come down, and this Aire Valley RT rider was later seen descending Pen-y-Ghent at break neck speed.


Jebb begins to show the effect of his exertions as he runs down a rocky section of the final climb. At this point he was over 8 minutes ahead of his nearest rival, and looked set to win his sixth Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross race.


Vets winner John Wilkinson (Dinnington RC) looks comfortable as he races down Pen-y-Ghent.


With fell running legend Ian Holmes (Aire Valley RT) just a minute behind. Note that Holmes was severely hampered by a damaged left shoe which was flapping off his foot.


2nd placed rider Dave Collins (Scott UK) found his wings as he flew down this track towards the finish at Helwith Bridge.

 

Robb Jebb wins the 2006 Three Peaks.


Vets winner John Wilkinson, together with Jebb at the finish.


Three times Peaks winner Chris Young had to be content with 22nd overall and third placed vet.


Spotted in the crowd watching Philip Mason (Otley CC) crossing the line battered and bloodied was cycling promoter Alan Rushton. Perhaps he's looking to televise the race next year, and expose the continentals to the real 'Hell of the North'


The pain on the riders faces as they finished the Three Peaks proved what a monumental event this is.
Three hours after Jebb crossed the line as the winner riders were still streaming into Helwith Bridge. As the prize winners waited for organiser John Rawnsley to complete his 45th race, the pub on the finish line was doing great trade. Jebb and his fell running comrades re-hydrated in the traditional manner, drinking pints of Black Sheep, as some of the cyclists sipped the complimentary SIS recovery drink.


Organiser John Rawnsley paid tribute to the army of volunteers that made the event possible.