The Lincoln Grand Prix, one of Britain’s most prestigious one day races, was held for the 58th time yesterday.
All six of Britain’s UCI Continental squads lined up on the start line just outside Lincoln, along with a certain visitor from Team Sky and cycling’s elite WorldTour peloton.
Peter Kennaugh, riding in the colours of Team Isle of Man, fulfilled expectations by riding to victory, but the 23-year-old Olympic gold medalist needed all of his considerable talent to do so.
A tough circuit featuring 13 ascents of Michaelgate, a 1:6 cobbled ramp in Lincoln’s historic town centre, was made more challenging by driving rain in the final hour of the race.
Spectators who witnessed the exhausted riders, including Kennaugh, rolling to a halt shortly after the finish line won’t forget the scenes in a hurry.
Toughness is the starting point for a professional cyclist – form, tactics, and technique are mere additions.
RoadCyclingUK travelled to Lincoln as guests of Specialized, supplier to Team IG-Sigma Sport, and watched the race unfold from the passenger seat of the team car – an exhilarating experience.
