Report – Blythe Wins RideLondon Classic

The victory of Adam Blythe of NFTO Pro Cycling was classic as the race itself in the narrow dirty wet lanes of Surrey.

Report – Blythe Wins RideLondon Classic

The victory of Adam Blythe of NFTO Pro Cycling was classic as the race itself in the narrow dirty wet lanes of Surrey. Blythe won a battle of the Brits to win the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic in central London today beating his old friend and sparring partner Ben Swift in a dramatic sprint finish on The Mall.

The two Sheffield-born cyclists were part of a five-strong group that screamed up Whitehall and under Admiralty Arch after 200 kilometres of hard racing over the wet and muddy roads of the Surrey Hills.

Team Cannondale’s Slovenian rider Kristijan Koren led them up The Mall with the finish line and Buckingham Palace in the distance. But Blythe launched his attack with 50 metres to go, surprising Swift, Team Sky’s pre-race favourite, to take a hard-earned victory for the unfancied NFTO Procycling team.

Blythe threw his arms in the air as he crossed the line, a roar of triumph breaking out from his mud-spattered face.

“It’s hard to say how much this means to me,” said Blythe afterwards. “But you could see how emotional it was as my face said it all.

“OK, it’s not like I won the worlds or anything, but this is very big race for a British rider to win, especially in this setting in front of the Queen’s house. I hope she was watching.”

Swift was one the race favourites and appeared to be in a perfect position to show his famed finishing speed after five Sky teammates, including 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins, had worked hard in the middle part of the race to get him into a breakaway group.

“It would have been nice to have won but I am really happy with second,” said Swift. “I’ve known Adam since I was seven years old and we’ve got a lot of history, so I knew he was the one to watch.

“I knew I needed to keep an eye on him and I could see he was looking for me on the run-in. I tried to react to his move but he’s a really fast sprinter and once he got the jump on me he was away.”

Koren’s challenge faded as the two Britons raced away and Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe took third for Omega Pharma-Quick-Step ahead of Philippe Gilbert, Belgium’s former world champion from the BMC Racing Team.

Seventy kilometres earlier it was Gilbert who had made the decisive move of the race on the approach to Box Hill.

The star attraction with banners all along the course was Sir Brad who took time for a chat with race director Mick Bennett and driver Rob Keeble

There had been a number of early attacks from the 147-man field as the riders set off under the welcome warming sun, which had moved in to replace the morning deluge.

The first significant break came in Richmond Park after 13km when six riders got away and established a gap of just over a minute, an advantage they held through the early stretches out into Surrey’s narrow country roads, many of them still smeared with rain wash.

Yet, the rain fell alright and soaked the peloton and destroyed one camera and lens which put me on the back foot for the rest of the race!

Wiggins and teammate Ian Stannard did much of the work as Sky took control of the peloton, their intention to close the gap and get Swift into contention for any later break. The plan worked perfectly, and when Gilbert made his move, Swift was one of 10 men who leapt to his wheel.

As Sky stepped off the gas, Cannondale were forced to do the bulk of the work at the front of the chasing group as they tried to get their sprinter Elia Viviani back in touch. But with less 50km to go the leading 11 had stretched their gap to more than a minute and it began to look as if they would never be caught.

They charged down Headley Heath and into Leatherhead, Gilbert and Swift keeping the pressure on at the front. Then Gilbert attacked again between Raynes Park and Wimbledon, splitting the group and dragging five clear of the rest.

The Belgian appeared to be on a mission to win with a long run for home and another kick briefly took him and Alaphilippe away from Swift and Blythe with Koren in tow behind.

But the trio closed the gap by the time they reached Putney High Street and it was five riders who crossed Putney Bridge for the run alongside the River Thames towards Westminster.

At this point it looked like anyone’s race, though the smart money was on Swift. Blythe had other ideas, however, and he timed his final push to perfection.

“In the last kilometre I knew I had plenty in the tank,” he said afterwards. “I just wanted to make sure I got everything out and didn’t leave it too late to make my move.

“I knew that if I was close to Swifty I’d have a chance. I hugged close to the barriers and had a go. Now I feel like I can mix it with the big boys.”

Two of the early breakaway riders won the day’s other honours. Steve Lampier of Node4 Velosure made it a great day for British cycling by claiming the King of the Mountains title, while Dutchman Steven Lammertink, Team Giant-Shimano’s stagiaire, won the sprint contest.

It was Blythe, however, who won the most important sprint of the day.

PHOTO REPORT
A selection of exclusive pictures from the day. Thanks to Graham Harper for putting in places to get the pictures.

The race rolls away from the Olympic Park

The peloton right on the bumper of the lead car as they warm up for the moment the race starts.

Great day for Steve Lampier winner of the KoM prize and getting on the podium.

Great to see a cycling star in Philippe Gilbert so active in the race and finishing 4th.

Ben Swift leads the break from Stef Clement and Gilbert.

They may have had a rider in the move but Cannondale were on the front of the peloton when we had a look.

Sprint for 9th is won by Elia Viviani from Russell Downing of NFTO

Ryan Mullen in a new Irish Champions skinsuit leads a little move away but it failed to stick

Quickstep were very active from the start

Raleigh’s Ian Wilkinson made one of the early moves along with Kristian House.

Alex Peters of Madison Genesis was another British rider getting in the moves.

Raleigh’s Matthieu Boule leads group off the front as Sky chase it down.

A happy boy was Steve Lampier who got in the move and took the KoM title to boot….

In the narrow Surrey lanes, many with mud and gravel on them from the rain, saw many riders puncture and with team cars held up by crashes and the peloton splitting to pieces, it was teammates who had to help each other. Here, Yanto Barker gets a wheel from Ian Wilkinson.

The roads with many a tight corner saw crashes like this one involving Mike Cuming as well.

Simon Yates also had to get help from a teammate with a front wheel puncture

Ian Stannard was responible for splitting the peloton to chase down the break away before the race really got brutal.

The winners in the RideLondon Classic. Steve Lampier (KoM), Ben Swift, Adam Blythe, Julian Alaphilippe and Steven Lammertink (Sprints winner)

RESULT PROVISIONAL (British based riders in bold)
1 BLYTHE, Adam NFTO 04:39:52
2 SWIFT, Ben Sky ProCycling
3 ALAPHILIPPE, Julian Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team
4 GILBERT, Philippe BMC Racing Team
5 KOREN, Kristijan Cannondale 04:39:55 @ 00:03
6 BENNETT, Sam Team NetApp – Endura 04:40:04 @ 00:12
7 VLIEGEN, Loic BMC Racing Team @ 00:12
8 CLEMENT, Stef Belkin-Pro Cycling Team @ 00:12
9 VIVIANI, Elia Cannondale 04:40:23 @ 00:31
10 DOWNING, Russell NFTO @ 00:31
11 KOHLER, Martin BMC Racing Team @ 00:31
12 SBARAGLI, Kristian MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung @ 00:31
13 VAN DER LIJKE, Nick Belkin-Pro Cycling Team @ 00:31
14 BAUGNIES, Jerome Wanty-Group Gobert @ 00:31
15 HOUSE, Kristian Rapha Condor JLT @ 00:31
16 EISING, Tijmen Metec – TKH Contintental Cyclingteam @ 00:31
17 WILSON, Jack An Post Chain Reaction @ 00:31
18 BAKKER, Dennis Metec – TKH Contintental Cyclingteam @ 00:31
19 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team @ 00:31
20 MUHLBERGER, Gregor Team NetApp – Endura @ 00:31
21 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project @ 00:31
22 EARLE, Nathan Sky ProCycling @ 00:31
23 CAMANO, Iker Team NetApp – Endura @ 00:31
24 SAINT MARTIN, Clement Team La Pomme Marseille 13 @ 00:31
25 DAMUSEAU, Thomas Team Giant-Shimano @ 00:31
26 BOULO, Matthieu Team Raleigh @ 00:31
27 THEUNS, Edward Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise @ 00:31
28 NORTHEY, Mike Madison Genesis @ 00:31
29 DUNNE, Conor An Post Chain Reaction @ 00:31
30 WIGGINS, Bradley Sky ProCycling @ 00:31
31 MEIER, Christian Orica GreenEDGE @ 00:31
32 MINNAARD, Marco Wanty-Group Gobert @ 00:31
33 KREDER, Michel Wanty-Group Gobert @ 00:31
34 VAN HECKE, Preben Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise @ 00:31
35 THWAITES, Scott Team NetApp – Endura @ 00:31
36 TEN DAM, Laurens Belkin-Pro Cycling Team @ 00:31
37 KRUIJSWIJK, Steven Belkin-Pro Cycling Team 04:40:35 @ 00:43
38 VANOVERBERGHE, Arthur Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise 04:40:39 @ 00:47
39 LOWSLEY-WILLIAMS, James NFTO @ 00:47
40 STEWART, Thomas Madison Genesis @ 00:47
41 LONGO BORGHINI, Paolo Cannondale 04:40:43 @ 00:51
42 BETTIOL, Alberto Cannondale @ 00:51
43 BODNAR, Maciej Cannondale @ 00:51
44 EWAN, Caleb Orica GreenEDGE 04:41:36 @ 01:44
45 VANDENBERGH, Stijn Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team 04:46:17 @ 06:25
46 VAN GOETHEM, Brian Metec – TKH Contintental Cyclingteam @ 06:25
47 SOKOL, Jan BCP Synergy Cycling Project @ 06:25
48 OLIVIER, Daan Team Giant-Shimano @ 06:25
49 VAN STAEYEN, Michael Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise @ 06:25
50 GIRAUD, Benjamin Team La Pomme Marseille 13 @ 06:25
51 PETACCHI, Alessandro Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team @ 06:25
52 SABATINI, Fabio Cannondale @ 06:25
53 BACKAERT, Frederik Wanty-Group Gobert @ 06:25
54 LANDER, Sebastian BMC Racing Team @ 06:25
55 YATES, Simon Orica GreenEDGE @ 06:25
56 SCULLY, Tom Madison Genesis @ 06:25
57 RENSHAW, Mark Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team @ 06:25
58 STEEGMANS, Gert Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team @ 06:25
59 APPLEBY, Dale NFTO @ 06:25
60 STEELS, Stijn Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise @ 06:25
61 DE GREEF, Francis Wanty-Group Gobert @ 06:25
62 LANCASTER, Brett Orica GreenEDGE @ 06:25
63 ROWE, Luke Sky ProCycling @ 06:25
64 DEMPSTER, Zakkari Team NetApp – Endura @ 06:25
65 MCNALLY, Mark An Post Chain Reaction @ 06:25
66 STANNARD, Ian Sky ProCycling @ 06:25
67 HANDLEY, Richard Rapha Condor JLT 04:48:27 @ 08:35
68 OPIE, Christopher Rapha Condor JLT 04:51:29 @ 11:37
69 BARKER, Yanto Team Raleigh @ 11:37
70 WILSON, Hugh NFTO @ 11:37
71 WESTMATTELMANN, Daniel TKG Team Kuota @ 11:37
72 GATE, Aaron An Post Chain Reaction @ 11:37
73 PETERS, Alex Madison Genesis @ 11:37
74 ROSTOLLAN, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 @ 11:37
75 HUNT, Josh NFTO @ 11:37
76 AHLSTRAND, Jonas Team Giant-Shimano @ 11:37
77 KNEISKY, Morgan Team Raleigh @ 11:37
78 DIAZ CARDENAS, Edward Fabia Colombia 04:51:34 @ 11:42
79 VANSPEYBROECK, Tim Team 3M 04:51:36 @ 11:44
80 HELVEN, Sander Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise @ 11:44
81 MOSES, Thomas Rapha Condor JLT @ 11:44
82 FENN, Andrew Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team @ 11:44
83 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team @ 11:44
84 DOCKER, Mitch Orica GreenEDGE 04:55:32 @ 15:40
85 HARPER, George Velosure-Giordana Racing Team @ 15:40
86 REGUIGUI, Youcef MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung 04:59:25 @ 19:33
87 JIM, Songezo MTN Qhubeka p.b Samsung @ 19:33
88 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 @ 21:28 05:01:20
89 SISKEVICIUS, Evaldus Team La Pomme Marseille 13 @ 21:28
90 GILBERT, Jerome Wanty-Group Gobert @ 21:28
91 LATHAM, Christopher Great Britain Cycling Team @ 21:28
92 WOOD, Oliver Great Britain Cycling Team @ 21:28
93 LAWLESS, Christopher Great Britain Cycling Team @ 21:28
94 ATKINS, George Team Raleigh @ 21:28
95 MORGAN, Brad Velosure-Giordana Racing Team @ 21:28
96 CARSTENSEN, Lucas Bike Aid – Ride for help @ 21:28
97 NIYONSHUTI, Adrien MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung @ 21:28
98 PETERSON, Tom Team Giant-Shimano @ 21:28
99 DOUGALL, Nicolas MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung @ 21:28
100 TE BRAKE, Remco Metec – TKH Contintental Cyclingteam @ 21:28
101 WOLSINK, Jelle Metec – TKH Contintental Cyclingteam @ 21:28

King of the Mountains Classification

KoM FINISH – STAPLE LANE – KM 66.2
1 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 6
2 NIYONSHUTI, Adrien MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung MTN 5
3 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 4
4 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 LPM 3
5 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 2
6 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 1

KoM FINISH – LEITH HILL – KM 88.5
1 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 6
2 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 5
3 NIYONSHUTI, Adrien MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung MTN 4
4 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 LPM 3
5 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 2
6 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 1

KoM FINISH – DENBIES – KM 103.7
1 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 6
2 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 5
3 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 4
4 NIYONSHUTI, Adrien MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung MTN 3
5 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 LPM 2
6 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 1

KoM FINISH – DENBIES – KM 122.0
1 ALAPHILIPPE, Julian Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling T OPQ 6
2 VLIEGEN, Loic BMC Racing Team BMC 5
3 MEIER, Christian Orica GreenEDGE OGE 4
4 EARLE, Nathan Sky ProCycling SKY 3

KoM FINISH – BOX HILL SUMMIT – KM 141.0
1 CLEMENT, Stef Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 6
2 EWAN, Caleb Orica GreenEDGE OGE 5
3 SWIFT, Ben Sky ProCycling SKY 4
4 KOREN, Kristijan Cannondale CAN 3
5 VLIEGEN, Loic BMC Racing Team BMC 2

Total
1 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 17
2 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 15
3 NIYONSHUTI, Adrien MTN-Qhubeka p.b Samsung MTN 12
4 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 8
5 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 LPM 8
6 VLIEGEN, Loic BMC Racing Team BMC 7
7 ALAPHILIPPE, Julian Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling T OPQ 6
8 CLEMENT, Stef Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 6
9 EWAN, Caleb Orica GreenEDGE OGE 5
10 SWIFT, Ben Sky ProCycling SKY 4
11 MEIER, Christian Orica GreenEDGE OGE 4
12 KOREN, Kristijan Cannondale CAN 3
13 EARLE, Nathan Sky ProCycling SKY 3
14 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 3
Sprints Classification

SPRINT – HAMPTON COURT – KM 34.6
1 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 5
2 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 3
3 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 2
4 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 1

SPRINT – DORKING – KM 98.9
1 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 5
2 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 LPM 3
3 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 2
4 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 1

SPRINT – DORKING – KM 135.3
1 KOREN, Kristijan Cannondale CAN 5
2 ALAPHILIPPE, Julian Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling T OPQ 3
3 SWIFT, Ben Sky ProCycling SKY 2
4 SOKOL, Jan Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 1

SPRINT – WIMBLEDON – KM 178.0
1 GILBERT, Philippe BMC Racing Team BMC 5
2 SWIFT, Ben Sky ProCycling SKY 3
3 BLYTHE, Adam NFTO NFTO 2
4 KOREN, Kristijan Cannondale CAN 1

TOTAL
1 LAMMERTINK, Steven Team Giant-Shimano GIA 10
2 KOREN, Kristijan Cannondale CAN 6
3 GILBERT, Philippe BMC Racing Team BMC 5
4 SWIFT, Ben Sky ProCycling SKY 5
5 LAMPIER, Steve Velosure-Giordana Racing Team VGR 4
6 EIBEGGER, Markus Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 4
7 ALAPHILIPPE, Julian Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling T OPQ 3
8 VAUBOURZEIX, Thomas Team La Pomme Marseille 13 LPM 3
9 BLYTHE, Adam NFTO NFTO 2
10 SOKOL, Jan Synergy Baku Cycling Project BCP 1
11 HIVERT, Jonathan Belkin-Pro Cycling Team BEL 1

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