Rider interviews 2008 Richmond Grand Prix

Interviews and images: Andrew Kennedy for British Cycling

Race Report: Richmond GP

The Richmond Grand Prix was the final event in the season long Premier Calendar road series, our reporter and photographer Andrew Kennedy caught up with the three podium placed riders and got their reactions to the race at Richmond which includes a brief insight into the Downing brothers relationship.

Russell Downing - winner

Russell Downing

BC - Congratulations on your win here at Richmond and your domination of the Premier Calendar series this season. Can you tell us about your race today, it looked as though Dean (Downing) and Simon (Richardson) left you to do all the work?

Russell - Yes, as usual. Dean was waiting for Chris (Newton) and Simon was waiting for Evan (Oliphant) which forced me to do all the work. When they realised it was just the three of us they started working. Simon rode a brilliant race. You know when he is in a group he will commit to the break and in a 3 man move he seems happy to get 3rd place, some guys won't do that but Simon is a pretty good rider. Dean sat on coming into the run in because Chris was still trying to get up to us. We did mess about a bit in the last few km and I saw Chris skipping off the cars to get back up. I didn't want him there so I attacked and got away. Richardson clawed me back and then Dean went over the top of us both, he got a good gap and we were onto the cobbles at the bottom of the market place. I saw his legs go and went over the top of him. It was a big ring climb but suddenly my chain jumped onto the little ring, Dean took advantage and was coming back at me. I dug deep, pressed on and the finish line appeared just in time, I had it in the bag, that was the race.

BC - You made that sound easy, but I saw you having a gladiatorial battle over three hours on a very tough mountainous circuit?

Russell - I came here today to end the domestic season on a good note, but my legs are tired. As preparation for the Worlds in Italy next week I did nearly 6 hours on Friday and 4 hours yesterday. I came out of the Tour of Britain tired and last week I was trying to catch up on some recovery.

BC - What's your job at the Worlds, has it been discussed yet?

Russell - It's not sorted yet. I fly out on Tuesday; we will have a look at the course and see who is up and riding well and who isn't. For me it's brilliant to put a GB jersey on my back for the last race of the year. After the World's I will hang the bike up in the garage and enjoy the off season.

BC - The Downings have dominated the Premier Calendar series this season with only Rob Hayles managing to get between you. Was the Premier Calendar one of your major objectives at the start of the season?

Russell - I wanted to get my teeth into the Premier Calendar and I've done just that. The boys at Pinarello/Yellow have made it easy for me and the team to ride at our best. Everything I needed as a bike rider has been there, the team set-up is superb. I have really enjoyed the season this year and the Premier Calendar races have been a big part of my success.

BC - Have you sorted out a ride for next season?

Russell - Not yet, obviously I've had an amazing year, I've been racing all season and haven't had any dips in form. The team rode in Majorca early season and I had some great wins, now I've been selected for the GB squad at the Worlds in Italy, so it's been a fantastic year. I should know within 2 weeks what I will be doing next season, and then hopefully I can relax for the off-season.

BC - What about Malcolm Elliott, you seem to have a good relationship with him, will he be with you at Pinarello next season?

Russell - I don't know, but what I would say is if I ride at Pinarello Malc will be there as well. He's been World Class in the past and this season we have seen that same class. Today for example he was drilling it on the front when Rapha were away. So if I ride with Pinarello next season I hope Malcolm will be there.

BC - Finally from a rider's perspective do you think BC and the race organisers have got it right with the Premier Calendar format?

Russell - The whole series has been very professional, just look at this set up today, podium trucks, big crowd, commentator, town centre finish, barriers and Eurosport TV coverage. From the riders and sponsors point of view it's brilliant. This helps team like us who are working hard to attract sponsors and it will move the sport forward, this level of professional race organisation is just what sponsors are looking for. Yes as a rider I'm happy with it.

BC - Thanks Russ and the best of luck next week in Italy.

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Dean Downing - 2nd place

Dean Downing

BC - Russell got you on the cobbled climb, were you expecting that?

Dean - I gave it everything on that final climb but I was riding against the strongest bike rider in this country so was half expecting to get 2nd, but still I tried to get the win. Tactically it was a strange race today. Chris (Newton) was trying to bridge up to me, Russ and Simon and was just a few seconds behind. I was sat on the back trying not to work, but Dean and Simon could see Chris getting closer and they were attacking. Chris did get on the back but it was cat and mouse, Russ attacked over the climb and I went over the top of him and that put Chris further behind again. That happened quite a bit on the last lap; as soon as Chris got close Russ put the hammer down.

Russ isn't stupid and he knew Chris Newton was a big threat. It was difficult for me; I was in an awkward position.

On the run in it was quite hard up the cobbles. Russ put a massive attack in and I went over the top of him, but just stopped dead on the last corner, it was a hard drag up to the finish and he beat me. It would have been better for the Rapha team if Chris had got up and stayed but it didn't work out that way.

BC - You have had a great season, what do you think would have made it better?

Dean - Russ riding somewhere else would have been better for me. I would have won a few more big races and probably won the Premier Calendar series.

BC - We have asked you this before, but as brothers riding on opposing teams do you and Russ look out for each other?

Dean - Russ has been by far the strongest UK based rider this season and if he gets in your break then your chances of winning are reduced. Today I wasn't riding to help Russ. If we were on the same team it would be fantastic.

BC - Could that be the case next season, might you both be on the same team?

Dean - Don't know yet, we are now at the end of the season and all the meetings will start to sort out the squads for next year. My season with Rapha/Condor/Recycling has been fantastic, John Herety is a brilliant DS and we have had a great season. I have had some good wins and Chris Newton winning the Olympic bronze was a superb personal achievement for him but also reflected well on the team. Our guys have had some great wins this season and we have had someone on the podium at most of the major events. So yes a great season and we just have to wait and see what happens next year.

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Simon Richardson - 3rd place

Simon Richardson

Simon - It's been a frustrating day for me; I wanted it to be a hard race for the season closer. When I saw the route I was pretty excited to get the chance to hit some big climbs. The race became more tactical than I thought it would, at times we were soft tapping and it was difficult and frustrating not to be able to press on.

BC - During the last 10 miles it looked like Dean Downing was waiting for Chris Newton to come up to the break, was that the case?

Simon - Rapha were playing tactics. When Chris was coming across I heard my team mate Evan (Oliphant) was with him, so I was prepared to wait. When Chris arrived and Evan wasn't there I attacked straight away. If Chris had stayed with us in that group I was done for, so I made sure Chris didn't get back on.

BC - What about the last 4km, did you witness any brotherly love between the Downings?

Simon - What can I say; they did have a 'short discussion', and then started attacking each other. I just tried to sit on the back of them both. Russ went for the final time at the bottom of the cobbles to the finish. That last climb was savage; it was a proper strong man's finish and full credit to both of them.