East Yorkshire Classic/Grimpeurs Des Wolds – 31st July ’10
Nothing inspires you more to get out on your bike and put in those miles than watching the pros hard at work; wrestling their way to the front of the group, fighting their bike up the climbs. With this in mind the East Yorkshire classic weekend had it all.
Richardsons/Cube RT had a lone break that looked strong
The Friday night saw a host of events from a 5k race hosted by Beverley AC followed swiftly by an invitational 1 lap time trial, won by Ian Wilkinson. There was later the 3rd/4th category Keith Jordan memorial support race. Seeing local riders take on the same course as the professionals, for around half the time. Though I can assure you, it was definitely not ridden at half the intensity, with strong presence from Beverley Velo, Hull Thursday and Richardsons Cycles/Cube it was a pleasure to spectate. On a personal level, I cannot speak highly enough about events like this; as an aspiring racer to be part of this race in the future would most certainly be a highlight. The state of cycling in East Yorkshire is clearly the best it has been in a long time, from participation, to the standard and quality of rider.
Riders roll out ready to race
Though this is all just pre-amble and warm up for the main event, the Premier Calendar Circuit Race. It follows the same format as all of these events and the Tour Series, 70minutes and 5 flying laps that will decide a winner. I must add that it was here that the British national champion of Premier Calendar Circuit races was decided as well, a title going to none otherthan Olympic medal winner Ed Clancy. There was a strong effort from Orbea-FGS! spending a number of laps in a solo break, but it was reeled swiftly back in as the final laps approached. After what can only be described as a perplexing last lap, (at least it all made sense watching it back on Eurosport a week later) a break away featuring Andy Tennant, Ian Wilkinson and Kristian House looked set to determine the podium places, but after Tennant crashed out on the last lap House and Wilkinson were left shaken only to be swallowed up by the peloton 100 metres or so later. It came down to a true bunch sprint, headed by Clancy himself to take the win and Circuit Race Champions Jersey. There were a number of crashes along the way, but the real pain came the following day, when the Big G sportive rolledout over the East Yorkshire countryside.
Simon and Peter are seasoned pros at these kinds of things, but this was my first. I’ve done the distance before, albeit on completely different terrain. The weather looked ominous and so did my mood. I wouldn’t say I was under prepared but it was a simple case of having no idea what I was letting myself in for, despite having driven the course a number of days earlier. I was also left to complete the 70mile course with whatever friends I could make along the way. Which turned out to be about three, one of which left me to take a short cut due to a mechanical, and the other two I left somewhere between the 20mile mark and the finish. The entire day went like a blur, I can’t remember which hill was which or which descents were the fastest. Although, thoroughly enjoyable I must say.
Swear I wasn’t getting caught!
After hills, hills and more hills; riding out to the Wolds and back was definitely not one to take lightly. I spotted a number of other Shutters on course, (chime in if it was you!) which brought a smile to my face and kept the pedals turning all the way to the finish; to the tune of 4 hours 15 minutes, 4500 calories, 39525 heart beats. See you same time next year.
MB
Team Shutt VR
Tags: East Yorkshire Classic, Pro Cycling, Shutt Rides, Sportive, Team Rides
