PHOTOS BY ANDREW KENNEDY
The Tour of Pendle
August 12, 2007; Round 12 of the British Cycling Premier Calendar Road Series.
Promoted by Cycling Development North West and supported by Lancashire County Council, Borough of Pendle, British Cycling and Cottages 4 You.
Report and photographs by Andrew Kennedy for British Cycling. Special thanks to NEG motorbike pilot John Greatorex.
Latest: Rider and race director reactions added:
Above: Tour of Pendle podium, left to right 2nd placed Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk) , winner Gordon McCauley (PlowmanCraven-Evans) and 3rd placed Dave Clarke (BC Private Member)
He's been looking for a win all year in the Premier Calendar Series and in the final race of the series, Kiwi Gordon McCauley (Plowman Craven/Evans Cycles) celebrated his call up for New Zealand at the World Road Championships with a victory in the final Premier Calendar event of the year.
Report by Andrew Kennedy
The season long Premier Calendar Road Race series headed for the Borough of Pendle in Lancashire for the final round of what has been an exciting and thrilling season of top quality road racing. Pre-event publicity mentioned Tour de France riders David Millar and Bradley Wiggins had entered and would be joining the large bunch of 120 riders for what promised to be a gruelling four hours of racing around the Pendle Hill circuit. Olympic Gold medallist Bradley Wiggins braved the cold and wet Lancashire morning to sign on and start the race, but Millar failed to show. The Saunier Duval rider had probably seen the weather forecast which predicted heavy prolonged showers for the whole duration of the race.
Above: The Pendle district in Lancashire is a beautiful location for a bike race, but in desparate need of some sunshine.
Above: The Mayor of Pendle Mr Alan Buck waved off the large field of 110 riders from Nelson Town Centre, and the riders began their long day in the saddle.
With a full rolling road closure with National Escort Group outriders and the Lancashire Constabulary keeping the race safe on Pendle's roads, the Tour of Pendle circuit started in Nelson town centre and traveled north towards Barrowford. The race climbed up through the village of Blacko with the dark and forbidding Pendle Hill casting a gloomy shadow over to the left. The long 3 mile climb to the King of Mountains classification is followed by a fast and dangerous descent to the town of Gisburn, then a long fast section on wide good quality roads along the A59 towards Whalley and Padiham. The circuit is completed with an undulated section through Higham and Brierfield. The climb of Blacko is not steep, and many of the riders ‘big ringed’ it all the way up, but the climb is totally unforgiving and only the fittest survive.
Above: Tour de France rider Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis) looking comfortable just before the torrential downpour.
The day started with Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis) leading the main field through Barrowford, the pace was high and Wiggins was keeping out of trouble by staying near the front. The roads were slippery with early morning downpours, the forecast for the day was for more heavy rain and scattered sunshine. The large group of riders were fighting to stay near the front as the first climb of Blacko approached and the race speed reached 40mph. Bradley Wiggins was driving hard on the front and had the race strung out in a long line as the climb started. Robin Sharman (KFS Special Vehicles) shared the work with Wiggins and Adam Bonser (Recycling.co.uk).
Above: Wiggins leads the early break up the first climb of Blacko.
Over the top of the King of the Mountains prime line and descending into Gisburn race radio reported a crash in the main field. Initial reports were that Freddy Johansson (PlowmanCraven-Evans) had crashed heavily on the descent and had been taken to hospital with suspected broken bones. Later we learned that the feared broken leg was not the case and it wasconfirmed that Freddy was released from hospital on Sunday evening with damaged ligaments in his leg, and was able to drive home to Wales. He will miss the Tour of Ireland, but may be fit to join his PlowmanCraven-Evans team at the Tour of Britain.
The crash had a devastating effect on the large bunch, and riders were scattered into small groups. Russell Downing (Healthnet-Maxiss) was one of the riders caught up in the carnage and on the road towards Clitheroe Downing was over two minutes behind the main field, his race effectively over.
A leading group of about 10 riders had settled down to work at the front of the race and included, Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing), Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis), Malcolm Elliott (Pinarello RT), Richard Cartland (Team Corley Cycles), Robin Sharman (KFS Special Vehicles), Marcin Bialoblocki (Middridge CRT), Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk), and Matthew Kipling (Inkland MTS). This group had a lead of over a minute and were all working together as they headed into Chatburn.
Above: The lead group exposed on the wide open by-pass roads surrounding the Forest of Pendle.
The Wiggins group had been working hard to stay clear, but the group was devoid of pink and blue riders. Behind PlowmanCraven-Evans had moved to the front and on the wide open by-pass sections of the A59, the PCA riders reduced the lead to 30 seconds and with the help of the Sportscover-PlanetX team they quickly brought the leaders back. Towards the end of the first lap, the front part of the race was back together, but as the race passed through the small Lancashire village of Read another group of 10 riders prised themselves off the front and gained a 14 second lead.
The ever vigilant Bradley Wiggins was soon onto their case and steam engined the front of the bunch up to the breakaways. As soon as this small group was caught, four of their number attacked again. Tom Murray (Kinesis UK), Richard Cartland (Team Corley Cycles), Leigh Cowell (Kuota/Biemme/Spinergy) and Tom Diggle (Recycling.co.uk) gaining a maximum gap of about 15 seconds. They were then joined by Mark Lovatt (Sportscover-PlanetX).
Above: Bradley Wiggins featured in all the early moves of the day, but dissapeared off the radar at the half way point.
Through Barrowford for the start of the second ascent of Blacko, Tom Diggle, Mark Lovatt and Richard Cartland had established a reasonable gap of about 35 seconds. The pace had been too high for Tom Murray and Leigh Cowell and they slid back towards the main field. Mark Lovatt was the main driving force of the three man group as they climbed towards the KoM. At the top, the youngster Diggle and Lovatt sprinted for the points, with Diggle taking the maximum.
Above: Tom Diggle and Mark Lovatt sprint for the KoM points at the top of Blacko.
Through the feed zone for the second time, the Lovatt group was caught. Onto the open wide section of the A59 towards Whalley and Padiham, a large group of about 17 riders moved clear. This group was dominated by the presence of three Pinarello RT riders, Malcolm Elliott, Kevin Dawson and Lee Davis. They were joined by James Sampson (Kinesis UK), Mark Lovatt and Roy Chamberlain (Team Corley Cycles). The Pinarello riders were making life difficult for the others as Kevin Dawson was piling the pressure on at the front as a few riders including James Sampson were unable to hold the wheels and dropped out of the back. The Pinarello group gained a maximum advantage of 1.05 before the reaction came from the main group.
A chasing group had now formed and James Sampson joined them for a short while before crashing into a badly parked Police vehicle on a roundabout. Sampson, whose father is a very highly ranked Police Officer, had a look of bemusement on his face as he sat spread-eagled across the road. Dad might be having a word with the errant Police Dog Officer who left the car on the roundabout.
Above: Sampson cops it on the roundabout.
As the leading group began the climb of Blacko for the third and final time, it included Marcin Bialoblocki (Middridge CRT), Mark Lovatt (Sportscover-PlanetX), Kevin Dawson (Pinarello RT), Malcolm Elliott (Pinarello RT), Lee Davis (Pinarello RT), Matthew Kipling (Inkland MTS), Adam Bonser (Recycling.co.uk), Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) and Mark Wordsworth (JE James RT). At the top, Malcolm Elliott made a move to claim the KoM points on offer. He was challenged by Mark Lovatt but Elliott gained the maximum on offer and at that point won the KoM prize of the Tour of Pendle. Over the top of Blacko, Elliott and Lovatt had a short discussion -- maybe to decide whether to continue with the move on the descent to Gisburn-- but they both sat up and waited for the others to join them.
Above: Pinarello RT workhorse Lee Davis drives the break up Blacko.
As the race passed through the feed zone for the final time the Elliott group had been caught by the chasers and riders were splintered all across the road. Dave Clarke (BC Private Member) decided it was the right time to attack and with closed roads to race on, went down the right hand side. He was followed by Wayne Randle (Sportscover-PlanetX) and then Gordon McCauley (PlowmanCraven-Evans). These three riders didn’t look back and forged ahead as others were taking on gels and drinks. The McCauley/Clarke/Randle group very quickly snatched an 11 second lead, and were powering ahead. The gap fluctuated between 8 and 14 seconds, and it looked as though they would be caught once the chasers got their act together. The familiar Pinarello train moved to the front and gradually began to bring the breakaways back.
Above: Dave Clarke and Wayne Randle attack at the feed zone and quickly establish a gap.
McCauley, Clarke and Randle buried themselves and were doing 30 second taps on the front. As they rode through Padiham for the final time, the group of three were joined by Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk). The old soldiers had badly needed some fresh legs and they immediately put Partridge to work on the front. The Recycling rider didn’t need any encouragement and was a willing worker. With his help the gap quickly rose to over 20 seconds, and as they entered Higham, the gap was 35 seconds. The impetus had gone from the chasers and it looked as though the podium riders plus one had been selected.
Above: Eventual race winner Gordon McCauley joins Clarke and Randle and helps to increase their lead.
Above: Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk) bridges the gap and helps to keep the breakaways in front.
As the leaders moved onto the finishing circuit, they maintained and then increased the gap. The gang of four worked well together. Wayne Randle was obviously feeling the effects of a long day but was still doing his tap at the front but told the others he was running on empty. The finishing circuit took the riders through Nelson town centre and across the finish line with one lap of a short circuit remaining.
A large crowd had gathered at the finish and the cheers were deafening as the leading four riders began their final four mile circuit. Wayne Randle was sat at the back and unable to contribute to the effort. Dave Clarke looked concerned about Randle and maybe thought he was soft tapping. Clarke should have been more concerned about Partridge and McCauley because as they headed up the final short but extremely steep climb towards the finish Partridge launched himself off the front. Gordon McCauley was quick to respond and managed to get on the young Recycling riders wheel.
As Clarke attempted to counter the attack he unshipped his chain and came to a complete standstill on the steep climb. Without any hesitation, Randle rode alongside Clarke and pushed him up the hill until he was able to engage his gear. The damage was done and Partridge and McCauley made the most of their advantage. Clarke and Randle managed to regain contact at the top of the climb but it was clear they would be racing for third place.
Above: The top three riders on the final climb of the day.
Above: Partridge launches his attack, McCauley is glued to his back wheel.
Above: Special sporting gesture award should go to Wayne Randle who pushed Dave Clarke on the final climb when he un-shipped his chain as he tried to counter the Partridge attack.
The final few kilometres into Nelson were dominated by McCauley and Partridge, and as the group of four came into view of the finish New Zealand rider Gordon McCauley was leading from Rob Partridge. The strong Kiwi was never seriously challenged in the sprint and was able to raise his arms and take the full applause of the crowd. Midlands rider Dave Clarke took the third and final podium position, leaving Wayne Randle with the disappointment of 4th, but the enjoyment of his best Premier Calendar finish of the season.
Above: It took him 12 rounds to get there, but Gordon McCauley takes a well deserved win at the Tour of Pendle.
Above: Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) finished the Tour of Pendle in 5th place with his arms aloft celebrating his overall win of the series.
Post Tour of Pendle Reactions
Winner Gordon McCauley’s (PlowmanCraven-Evans) first reaction “Wow, it only took 12 races for me to get one but I managed it today!”
BC: The race was dominated by a succession of breaks -- how did the race develop for you and your team? GM: “the early break went and PCA and Sportscover-PlanetX rode it down. When the second break went there was only me, Chris Newton and Rob Partridge from Recycling wanting to chase it. When we got up to them, Wayne Randle and Dave Clarke clipped off and I thought the three Sportscover-PlanetX riders would block for Wayne so I tried to get across to them.”
“I got across and we were all working, when Rob Partridge got across the gap. I knew then that there was only the Pinarello team not represented in the break and it would be hard work for them to close it and that’s how it worked out.”
“On the final short climb I was sat third wheel so I could watch. Wayne (Randle) had already said he was shot and had bad legs so I was just watching the other two. Rob attacked on the last climb and my legs were screaming but I managed to go with him.”
“I’m not really a climber so I was just hanging onto him. I knew that I was the fastest finisher out of the group of four guys so I was confident. With 1km to go, Rob was asking me to come through, which was OK, I’m good at those type of sprints with a drag up to the finish and I was confident I would get the win”
2nd placed Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk)
BC: Well done Rob, tell me how you managed to get across to the leaders in the last 30km? RP:“The leading three of McCauley, Clarke and Randle were in sight at about 20 or 30 seconds and I knew I could probably get across to them.”
“I spoke to Chris (Newton) and he told me to go for it. I thought some others would try to come with me but they just let me go. I was pleased I was by myself really. Sure, it was a big effort but I managed it quite easily. I was happy to start working straight away. They did all look at me when I arrived so I just tapped through -- it wasn’t flat out effort. The gap back to the chasers increased when I started working with the break so it worked out quite well for them as well.”
BC: I did think you looked stronger in the last few miles and when you attacked Gordon on the final climb I thought you were going to get the win, what happened?
RP: “Well Gordon was really strong today and stayed with me when I attacked on the last climb. Dave Clarke had done a lot of work on that section and I used it as my launch pad.”
“I didn’t look around or anything and just kept going up the climb, I sensed Gordon was on me but didn’t know if anyone else was, so kept going. A couple of hundred metres later, I glanced back and it was just Gordon who was there. I knew he would be good on the flat coming into the finish, and with 1km to go I wanted him to come through but knew we didn’t have the time to mess about. Anyway he was stronger than me in the sprint and got the win”.
3rd placed Dave Clarke (BC Private member)
BC: Dave, you made the final selection of four, worked hard to keep the break clear, and looked as though you were going to attack them on that final climb. Tell us what happened next?
DC: “On the final climb I didn’t know how far the group was behind and Rob (Partridge) put that sneaky little attack in and my chain dropped off all at the same time so I was a bit screwed really. I did think about attacking them on the climb but didn’t think it would be courteous at that point, still things happen.”
“I’d also just done a big turn on the front and was conscious we might get caught so I was just trying to keep the group away. It would have been nice to win one as I’ve got a second and now a third -- a win would have been good.”
BC: When you lost your chain on the climb, Wayne Randle came up and gave you a little push, what did he say to you? “ I can’t remember what Wayne said at that point, but it was good of him. I’d come to a complete standstill and I would have had to get off to sort it so he did help me. He’d said earlier that he was shot so I knew it was Gordon and Rob who I had to watch”
Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) winner of the 2007 Premier Calendar Road Race series. BC: Chris congratulations on winning the British Cycling Premier Calendar Road Series for 2007, was this an objective for you at the beginning of the season?
CN: “No not really. My objective was to win individual races but as the season progressed I managed to score consistently in all the rounds I rode.I missed two rounds and thought that might have a bearing on the overall but as it progressed it became clear I was in with a good chance of winning the series.”
“Also the Premier Calendar series has been good for the Recycling team. We have a good group of young riders and it has taught them how to defend in a race -- not jump around and go for the win but ride as a team. You might not have the strongest individual riders but if you ride as a team you can win races. The team have worked hard to give me a stress free season and Charlie Jackson is a fantastic boss. There is no pressure to win races. We are developing these young riders and they are learning every time they race.”
BC: Recycling.co.uk has a ride in the Tour of Britain, what do you expect from your team, and are they capable of riding at that level? CN: “I’m under no illusion, it will be very difficult for me to do well overall. It just depends how the race goes. I am confident that if we need to do something, then the team can ride well together.”
“It would be good to get a stage victory but it’s one of those races that you would need to be down the General Classification for the peloton to allow you to go for a stage win. The prologue will be interesting, I’m looking forward to that, I’ll give that a blast and then take it from there.”
British Cycling President and Tour of Pendle Race Director, Brian Cookson.
British Cycling: Brian at this race last year, you had something to say about some teams not committing to the Premier Calendar road series. This year you have had over 100 riders on the start line at your race and the Premier Calendar 12 race series has been a tremendous success, in your dual role as Race Director and President of British Cycling -- are you happy with the way the Premier Calendar series has developed this year?
Brian: “Yes I am.I think the Premier Calendar has had something of an renaissance and road racing, even with all the outside pressures, is doing really well now, I think it’s thriving now more than it did in the heyday of the 70’s and 80’s when we had a lot of so called ‘pro teams’. Now we have more and better professional road teams than we had in those days. The way that it’s structured now is different, but there are probably more full time bike riders, sponsors and teams now than there were in those days.”
British Cycling: The race today has been a great success with Tour de France riders lining up in Nelson town centre, a huge field of riders, the National Escort Group and Lancashire Police out in force. Have you pulled a bit of rank to get this race off the ground -- is this open to all the organisers of Premier Calendar events?
Brian: “The budget is the main thing to put together really, and what we’ve done here is bring local sponsors in together with Pendle Borough Council and the County Council. We needed to get a substantial budget together because we had to pay the Police and that is a difficult challenge.”
“We are planning to repeat that challenge again next year. How we manage it, is to link the Premier Calendar race in with the Cycling Festival that we have running in Pendle, and we promote cycling for it’s health benefits, facilities for local people, for tourism, for the environmental benefits and transport. We put it all together in Pendle’s event portfolio. In a couple of weeks we are promoting a music festival, and there are various other promotions all happening in the Pendle area throughout the year. It’s a bit easier for me to do that as I’m on the inside of the council.”
British Cycling: What about the future for the Tour of Pendle, is it now fixed in the calendar? “With our partners, I hope to do it again. We have some key councillors here today and they all have smiles on their faces which is usually a good sign.”
Plowman Craven Team Press Release
Plowman Craven Evans Cycles’ Gordon McCauley has won the final Premier Calendar race of the season, the 140 km Tour of Pendle, beating Tour de France rider Bradley Wiggins into the bargain. His win confirms the form that has seen him selected to ride for his native New Zealand in the World Championships in September and for his Plowman Craven Evans Cycles Team in the Tours of Ireland and Britain. He has also just been voted New Zealand Cyclist of the Year.
McCauley’s win is the third Premier Calendar race victory for the Plowman Craven Evans Cycles Team this year; in April Simon Gaywood won the Archer GP and in July Tony Gibb outsprinted a quality field to win at Blackpool.
The Tour of Pendle is McCauley’s first Premier Calendar victory of the season, although he has finished second on three occasions and third four times as well. Victory at Pendle sees him clinch second place overall in the 12 race series behind Chris Newton of Recycling. He remains the only overseas rider to have won the series, in 1999.
Above: McCauley punches the air in joy as he takes the final round of the British Cycling Premier Road Series.
“To be honest this win is a relief,” remarked a delighted McCauley. “Although selection for the World’s is fantastic, at the end of the day I’m paid to win Premier Calendar races for Plowman Craven Evans Cycles and I was beginning to run out of time! I’m happy with second overall place in the series; Chris (Newton) thoroughly deserves his win and I’m pleased for him,” he continued.
Having missed the early break of the day which included Wiggins (Cofidis) and Malcolm Elliot (Pinarello), Plowman Craven Evans Cycles moved to the front of the main group and, working with the SportscoverPlanetX Team, brought the race back together after 15 miles.
A second break saw three Pinarello riders, including Elliott, sharing the work with Recycling and SportscoverPlanetX, and gaining a good advantage over the group. Once again Plowman Craven Evans Cycles team mates Simon Gaywood and James Millard organised the chase, eventually getting the main group close enough for McCauley, together with Newton and Robin Sharman (KFS Special Vehicles) to get across to the leaders.
With splits constantly driving off the front of the leading group, McCauley, Wayne Randle (SportscoverPlanetX) and David Clarke (Private Member) were soon away on their own and when, with 20 miles to go, they were joined by Rob Partridge (Recycling) the chasers sat up as most teams had a rider in the lead group.
On the final climb of the day, with around four km to go, Partridge attacked and McCauley was quickly on his wheel, the pair working well together to establish a decisive lead. With 1 km to go the co-operation stopped and in the sprint for the line McCauley’s legs were the better.
McCauley’s win is an indication that his form is coming good just at the right time. “Everything is falling nicely into place,” he remarked. “With two tours and the World’s to look forward to my form is good – not only have I won Pendle but I was the only domestic rider to finish with the European based pair of David Millar (Saunier Duval) and DFL’S Daniel Lloyd in last week’s National Road Championships.
“Plowman Craven Evans Cycles had a big training camp last week and although I was tired afterwards I obviously recovered well, which is good news for the Tours of Ireland and Britain and the World’s. The plan now is to taper until the start of the Tour of Ireland.”
More pictures
Above: Having missed the early break the PlowmanCraven-Evans team move to the front of the main group to limit the damage.
Above: Splits occured off the front of the lead group and Mark Lovatt (Sportscover PlanetX) had a gap as two riders passed through the feed zone.
Above: The final selection was made on the last lap, when Rob Partridge (Recycling.co.uk) managed to cross to the leading trio of McCauley, Randle and David Clarke.
RESULTS
1. Gordon McCauley PlowmanCraven-Evans 3.35.36
2. Rob Partridge Recycling.co.uk Same time
3. David Clarke BC Private member Same time
4. Wayne Randle Sportscover-PlanetX @6 secs
5. Chris Newton Recycling.co.uk @55secs
6. Malcolm Elliott Pinarello RT Same time
7. John Tanner Sportscover-PlanetX Same time
8. Mark Lovatt Sportscover-PlanetX Same time
9. Robin Sharman KFS Special Vehicles Same time
10. Marcin Bialoblocki Middridge CRT Same time
11. Roy Chamberlain Team Corley Cycles Same time
12. Lee Davis Pinarello RT @59secs
13. Matthew Kipling Inkland MTS @1.01
14. Adam Bonser Recycling.co.uk @1.17
15. Kevin Dawson Pinarello RT @1.21
16. Paul Oldham Hope Factory Racing @1.31
17. Alex Higham Rapha Condor RT @1.55
18. Ian Wilkinson SIS-Trek @2.10
19. Richard Sykes-Popham Glendene CC/Biketrax @2.21
20. Mark Thwaites Kinesis UK @2.31
21. Tom Murray Kinesis UK Same time
22. Andy Roche Pinarello RT @2.38
23. Mark Wordsworth JE James RT @3.42
24. Simon Richardson Trek-UK @4.09
25. Neil Swithenbank ABC Centreville @4.15
26. Simon Gaywood PlowmanCraven-Evans @4.57
27. Grahame Sumner GB Fire Service RT Same time
28. Neil Jones Gateway Cycles RT Same time
29. Richard Wilkinson Rapha Condor RT @5.00
30. Garry Hand KFS Special Vehicles @5.05
31. Richard Kent SIS-Trek @5.44
32. Ian Bibby SIS-Trek Same time
33. Stephen Feeney Chester RC @5.50
34. Simon Wilson Artic Shorter Rochford RT @5.56
35. Ross Muir Rapha Condor RT @6.07
36. Mike Harrison Sigma Sport Same time
37. Adrian Bird Echelon-Cycles.co.uk @6.09
38. Dafyd Dylan KFS Special Vehicles @6.11
39. Stephen Adams Merlin RT Same time
40. Ben Price Rapha Condor RT @6.13
41. Chris Lockyer Manchester Wheelers Same time
42. Craig Battersby Lancashire RC Same time
43. Richard Cartland Team Corley Cycles @6.17
44. Rick King Inkland MTS Same time
45. Ian Field Trek-VW Same time
46. Leigh Cowell Kuota/Biemme/Spinergy Same time
47. Jimmy Froggatt Wills Wheels CC Same time
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