News: 48th Clayton Spring Classic

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Season opener in the North West expecting class field in longer race on Sunday February 23rd at Clitheroe (Lancs)

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Season opener in the North West expecting class field in longer race on Sunday February 23rd at Clitheroe (Lancs)

To get a feel of the pedigree of this Northern season opener, you don’t have to look too far for some very impressive results. Last year, Richard Handley (Rapha Condor) came out on top with Ryan Mullen (An Post) and James Gullen joining him on the podium.

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In 2007, Team Skys Ian Stannard was showing his Tour De France credentials alongside Tour of Italy stage winner Movistars Alex Dowsett and An Post rider Mark McNally! Back in the late 70s, the promoting clubs very own Tony Gornall, GB International, Lincoln Grand Prix winner, Premier Calendar winner was also firing on all cylinders on this last Sunday in February race.

Tony is recovering from a lengthy illness and everyone connected to the Clayton and the race wish him well. Not that the big guns get it all their own way !

The handicap format introduced in recent years means an 80 strong field is lead away by some handy Juniors. Ride of the race last year was Manchester’s young Andy Leigh, then of the WD40 Team but now Belgium bound. Young Andy emerged from the ‘catch’ at 40 miles with great legs and took an impressive 4th place.

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North West based Rapha always support the race and manager John Herety is sure to have a team entered before their return from Australia. Organisers Peter Boast and Alan Roper have made some changes to this year’s format and the lower categories can get a taste of the action and prize money from the word go with primes on all but the first and last two of the 3.9 mile laps.

Race distance is increased by one lap and with the inevitable ‘catch’ around three quarter distance, the big guns hitting the front should have the opportunity for some full on action in the extended later stages. The additional prize pot is sponsored by Alan himself who told Velouk “this is the 48th edition and also my 48th so we want to give the race a boost so by the 50th edition perhaps I can take a back seat “

DETAILS
Open to male, female E/1/2/3/4/J organiser selects the field.
Entry close date: Sunday, 9th Feb
Starts: 10:00am
Distance: 88km/55m
Circuit: Rolling

Online Entry: 

 

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