Stage 1 - 92 miles based around Morpeth

After finishing forth last year I was keen to return to this race.  The format this year was quite different with only two stages instead of three and the harder stage on Saturday. This was 92 miles long and undulating. It was not half as hilly as last year and avoided the Gibet climb. There were three big loops followed by three smaller circuits. From the start the pace was high, but as soon as we hit the first climb the pace seemed to slow and I moved up the bunch. John Tanner started to wind it up for the sprint at the top and I found myself on his wheel. I sprinted for the line and took the first prize of the day. The two of us rode over the top and opened a gap. This caused a reaction in the bunch, it split to bits. John & I continued with our effort for a while but then decided to wait for the chasing group. The group at the front was up to 12 strong, we all rode together keeping the average speed over 27mph. Eight more riders joined the front group, with us all working together we were flying along. It was fast but steady for the three big circuits. Once we reached the three smaller laps we had a gap of one & a half minutes over a chasing group of 8 which included Mark Lovett, Malcolm Elliot and my team-mate Jamie Norfolk. The front pack reacted but continuous attacks, Chris Newton, John Tanner, John Charlesworth, Ian Wilkinson were all in the action. The front group kept fragmenting. With a lap remaining a group formed with Chris Newton, Shaun Snoddon and John Tanner amongst them. I managed to get in a group with Paul Manning and Matt Stephens who chased right up to the line. We were just 6 seconds behind the eventual winner Chris Newton. I took a respectable 10th place.

Stage 2 - 77mile - flatter racing

Most people were expecting an easier day today with probably a bunch sprint. Chris Newton was the overall leader and most of the GB team pursuit squad were on his side. But with 20 miles remaining a small group escaped containing Matt Stephens and Mark Lovett.  They must really have had the bit between their teeth as they stayed away despite the best efforts of the GB team pursuit squad helping Chris Newton. Matt gained enough time to take the overall win, with Mark Lovett winning the stage. I will have retained my 10th overall and had a good weekends racing.

(writtern14/07/03)

Links....

2002 report

Girvan stage race

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