Stage 2: Girvan – Victory Park Criterium, 16.5 miles

 

March 22, 2008; promoted by Wallacehill CC

A British Cycling Premier Calendar Event

Race Reports by Carl J Lawrenson

Photos Jane Knox

Russell Downing in yellow battles with Simon Gaywood and Graham Briggs (left) for the stage win. Photo Jane Knox.

 

Race leader Russell Downing (Pinarello RT) took a 7 second advantage over his brother Dean (Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk) into the second stage, covering 15 laps of Victory Park in the centre of Girvan.

 

As the light faded, the riders were flagged away and it was clear that the Pinarello team were out to defend their leader. No significant breaks were allowed to get away, despite several escape attempts by current National Criterium Champion James McCallum (Plowman Craven RT).

 

Peter Williams defended his green Endura Hot Spot Sprints jersey in the most decisive manner by taking both of the primes on offer. As the riders turned the final corner on the finish lap, the yellow jersey of Russell Downing was perfectly positioned to launch a winning sprint and so secure his second victory of the day and increase his leading advantage.

 

Stage 3, the longest of the race, starts in Newton Stewart and takes in the roads of Dumfries and Galloway before finishing back in Girvan. Again the Pinarello team will be out to defend the lead of Downing, but a strong challenge is expected – particularly from Rapha Condor and Plowman
Craven.

RESULTS

(Full Results: race website)

Stage 2 - Sponsored by Active Office
1. Russ Downing  Pinarello RT 38m 54s 
2. Simon Gaywood  Plowman Craven RT st
3. Graham Briggs  Rapha Condor Recycling st

 

Overall Placings Following Stage 2:
1. Russ Downing  Pinarello RT 3h 13m 26s 
2. Dean Downing  Rapha Condor Recycling  @ 18s 
3. Evan Oliphant  Plowman Craven RT @ 23s 

 

Endura Hot Spot Sprints - Leader:
1. Peter Williams  Pinarello RT 15
2. Tom Barras  Plowman Craven RT 6
3. Simon Richardson  Plowman Craven RT 4

 

Team Competition - Leader:
1. Rapha Condor Recycling  9h 41m 43s
2. Plowman Craven RT @ 02s 
3. Pinarello RT @ 04s 

 

Leading 2nd Category Rider:  
Scott Macrae - Pedalpower.org.uk - Endura RT   

 

Leading Under 23 Rider:  
Dale Appleby - Rapha Condor Recycling