Local Thompson takes GP des Dames at Blackpool
Blackpool Festival of Cycling
Grand Prix des Dames Circuit Race
British Cycling Women's Circuit Race Series
Saturday 14th July 2007
Report and photographs by Andrew Kennedy for British Cycling.
What a difference a day makes. The storms and high winds of Friday were a distant memory as the Blackpool Festival entered day two. The exotically titled Grand Prix des Dames (Women's Road Race) on Saturday evening was held in warm Blackpool sunshine with the riders and spectators at last able to enjoy a summers evening of high quality racing, without the aid of umbrellas and waterproof jackets.
The North Shore promenade had seen some top class youth races during the afternoon, but tonight was the turn of the women.
The Women's Circuit Race Series has been hotly contested throughout the season, but current National Champion Lizzie Armitstead (Global RT) was absent from Blackpool, away on GB team duty in Germany.
On current form the two pre-race favourites were Alice Monger-Godfrey (Glendene) and Gabby Day (Global RT), but any one of the young women on the start line was capable of taking the win.
The riders were looking forward to 12 laps of the full 1.5 mile circuit taking in the North Shore promenade, dropping down to the Lower Walk, with a difficult headwind section to the cobbled climb, and 750 metres of fast tailwind assisted flat and fast road towards the finish line, and the waiting crowd.
Gabby Day (Global RT) livens things up with an attack that split the field in two.
Race commentator Hugh Porter gave the girls a countdown and they were off. The race speed was high from the start, and within a couple of laps splits had occurred in the field. A series of attacks were countered and as the girls approached the bell the front group had over 20 riders ready to contest the sprint. The second group of about 8 riders were over 60 seconds behind, with some unlucky puncture victims including Ella Sadler-Andrews (Leisure Lakes).
On the last lap a dramatic crash involving just one rider hitting the sea wall had the ambulance racing to assist, the unlucky rider only suffered minor cuts and bruises but lost her chance to contest the sprint.
With the bunch coming into view they were all together strung out across the road, the tall figure of Leanne Thompson (Lune Valley RC) was prominent at the head of affairs with Rachel Mercer (New Zealand) and Gabby Day (Global RT) challenging her all the way to the line. Thompson held her line and position and had enough time to allow herself a smile as she crossed the line. Mercer and Day taking the 2nd and 3rd spots.
After the podium presentations I asked Leanne Thompson how the race had gone for her: "It was hard, the back straight was windy and a few people were trying to get away, it was fast then it slowed down. The cobbled climb was hard, I didn't know what to do, whether to stay in the big ring or drop it down, I dropped it down and was able to spin it up the climb much quicker. I missed the crash on the last lap, a girl was putting in an attack and slipped across the road on the sand. This is only my 3rd race and it's my first win, so I'm really pleased."
Results to be confirmed. Full result will be published when available from the organisers.
Early in the race and the bunch is still together on the sea wall section.
Blackpool Tower in the background as the girls race along the famous promenade.
With a cobbled climb each lap, the flat seaside circuit had a sting in it's tail.
Alice Monger-Godfrey (Glendene) shows her speed at the front of the race.
Some spectators took time to soak up the evening sunshine, whilst others including this Springer Spaniel kept a close eye on the racing.
Winner Leanne Thompson looking pleased with her performance.
What a difference a day makes! Fridays storms are forgotten as the girls enjoy warm sunshine and perfect racing conditions at Blackpool.
Blackpool podium. Left to right, Rachel Mercer (New Zealand), Leanne Thompson (Lune Valley) and Gabby Day (Global RT)
Results
1 Leanne Thompson Lune RCC
2 Rachel Mercer NZ Junior?
3 Gabriella Day Global Racing team
4 Jess? Booth Halesowen A & C.C.
5 Marie Stewart Team Chance
6 Eileen Roe Dunfermline C.C.
7 Alice Monger-Godfrey GlendeneC.C. / Biketrax
8 Lucy Martin Team Chance
9 Jessica Roberts Team Chance
10 Hannah Rich Pinarello R.T.
11 Pippa Handley Edinburgh R.C.
12 Katie Fearnehough Sportcity Velo
13 Charlotte Colclough Fatbirds C.C.
14 Gundula Hennig Private Member
15 Louise Murray Ribble Valley CRC
16 Ella? Saddler-Andrews Leisure Lakes
17 Louise Eden Seamons C.C.
18 Emma Brunning Yasumitsu Schlapp
19 Maddy Robinson Border CityWheelers
20 Helen Scott Halesowen A & C.C.
