Event News: Clayton Spring Classic

After a disrupted period due to Covid and a flooded course in 2020, the 56th edition of the North’s season opener is back – Clayton Spring Classic.

Event News: Clayton Spring Classic

56th. Clayton Spring Classic Back to its traditional date

After a disrupted period due to Covid and a flooded course in 2020 the 56th edition of the North’s season opener is back. All previous editions have been held on the last Sunday in February, meaning riders have an early major target after a winter of full on training, it’s time to put the turbo to one side and test the legs on some tarmac. The handicap format saw 16 year old Tom Pidcock become the first junior to win the race’s 50th edition in 2016, led out by team mate Rob Scott and holing off scratch rider Ian Wilkinson by yards.

World superstar Tom Pidcock enjoying a win as a junior in the Clayton Spring Classic

Race organisers Neil Welsh and Sam Dobson recall the day well, Neil as race judge and experienced Vet Sam in the front group with the Pidcock cohort of top juniors. The handicap format continues meaning no one gets an easy ride over the 58 miles and 13 laps of the Bashall short circuit near Clitheroe, Lancashire.

Neil said, “for the last 20 years or more the scratch group of around 20-25 riders was like a mini premier with riders and teams keen to get a good result but also to give the legs a tough test making up the 8 minute gap to the head of the race, Juniors up front likewise getting a taste of racing with the Pro and Elite riders when (or if) they get caught before the line.”

Entries go live in January and the organisers want to see the best in the country taking to the line again in a strong scratch group of Elite and category 1 riders. Junior teams male/female are encouraged to make this their first race of the year and give the field a run for their money. The front group and the middle group of cat 2, 3 and 4 riders get to scrap for lap prizes while out front.

Looking Back
Clayton Velo was founded in 1968 and one of their first tasks was to contribute to the racing calendar in the North West and the Clayton Spring classic was born. Riders in the new club where drawn from several East Lancashire towns but took their name from Clayton le Moor near Accrington because founding member Jack Spencer had a bike shop there, they still meet every Sunday in Whalley near Clitheroe.

Tony Gornall in the red white and green Clayton colours in action at the Essex GP on the wheel of Ian Hallam

Club secretary Alan Roper who has been involved with all 56 editions of the race said “We are all getting on a bit now so the riders no longer head out for 100 mile thrashes around the Bowland fells or Yorkshire dales, those days have long gone. We are no longer organising several races each season like we used to do but are determined to keep the Spring Classic going with the help of Team SBHub.”

The club very quickly established itself as a force throughout the 70s 80s. and early 90s. with a constant stream of Elite riders, several going on to represent GB at world championships, commonwealth games and Olympics . Tony Gornall led the way with a 15 year career which included winning the Lincoln Grand Prix in 1975, that same year he was Star Trophy overall series winner (now known as the premier calendar). He and club mate Howard Walmsey both rode the Tour of Britain, Tony‘s highest finish was 9th on GC and 2nd King of the mountains.

Alan and Mark Gornall (no relation to Tony) and Sister Linda all went on to successful careers including Gold for Alan at the 1986 Commonwealth games. The Smith brothers Karl and Nigel followed, both prolific winners including the Eddie Soen’s for Karl and who is still racing. Pete Boyd was a multi National champion on the track.

Tour de France rider Alan Ramsbottom (born in Clayton) was in the club during a brief comeback to Vet racing in the 80s, he rode the Tour twice, finishing 16th on GC in 1963. Sadly Alan passed away age 86 this year.