Tim Guy at the 2010 Tour Series:
RACE 1 - Canary Wharf , LONDON.
The first race of the Halfords Tour Series took place at Canary Wharf last night. The popular shopping and business district in London proved to be the perfect backdrop for the start of this exciting series. 10 teams of 5 riders battled it out in front of a packed crowd of exuberant fans. With cheerleaders, free giveaways, and a corporate race thrown in as icing on the cake, Canary Wharf certainly delivered the goods.
Just minutes before the race each team was represented on the start line by a child wearing their respective team kits. Rapha Condor Sharp was represented by a boy who set the stage for what was to come. Due to his tight grip of excitement, he broke the supporter’s flag he had been given within seconds. Proving that Rapha Condor Sharp were here to snap into action and take a tight grip on the series. I’m still unsure what his unconventional dance moves represented, however they were impressive none the less.
With 50 starters, a tight rectangular circuit and a mascot named Toby roaming the streets; this was going to be an entertaining race. The first few laps proved pivotal in uncovering the teams that were determined to perform. Rapha Condor Sharp, Edura Racing and team Raleigh all showing their intentions. The smell of the bunch also showing there were some nervous riders in the pack.
The first of the Boardman Bikes Sprints and first points of the tour series went to Dean Windsor (Rapha-Condor-Sharp), showing that the teams return from Japan the night before was providing no need for excuses. Liam Holohan (Team Raleigh) claimed second place while Graham Briggs (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) ensured the spectators got used to the black, pink and white colours by taking third place. The second sprint again featured Windsor, taking third place in a close gallop to the line. Liam Holohan took out the third sprint and the sprint jersey with 10 points; however Briggs and Windsor are sitting on 9 and 8 points respectively after the first round.
Rapha Condor Sharp left the crowd holding their breath, when in the final laps a break of six riders got away, including Australian duo Dean Windsor and Zack Dempster. It appeared Rapha Condor Sharp had played their cards to perfection, being the best represented team in the break. However with just one lap to go the break was caught and the crowd caught a breath, before taking a final gulp of air preparing for the dash to the line.
Tony Gibb (CyclingPremier.com – Metaltek) took out the finish with Malcolm Elliott (Motorpoint- Marshalls Pasta) taking second. However Rapha Condor Sharp were the team of the day taking out the victory with Dean Downing in 3rd, Dean Windsor in 5th even after being a member of the break caught coming into the last lap and Graham Briggs taking 6th.
With another 9 races left in the series, Rapha Condor Sharp have gotten off to an exceptional start. Bathurst locals can expect to see Dean Windsor continue to be a driving force for both the team and Boardman Bikes Sprint competitions.
The first race of the Halfords Tour Series took place at Canary Wharf last night. The popular shopping and business district in London proved to be the perfect backdrop for the start of this exciting series. 10 teams of 5 riders battled it out in front of a packed crowd of exuberant fans. With cheerleaders, free giveaways, and a corporate race thrown in as icing on the cake, Canary Wharf certainly delivered the goods.
Just minutes before the race each team was represented on the start line by a child wearing their respective team kits. Rapha Condor Sharp was represented by a boy who set the stage for what was to come. Due to his tight grip of excitement, he broke the supporter’s flag he had been given within seconds. Proving that Rapha Condor Sharp were here to snap into action and take a tight grip on the series. I’m still unsure what his unconventional dance moves represented, however they were impressive none the less.
With 50 starters, a tight rectangular circuit and a mascot named Toby roaming the streets; this was going to be an entertaining race. The first few laps proved pivotal in uncovering the teams that were determined to perform. Rapha Condor Sharp, Edura Racing and team Raleigh all showing their intentions. The smell of the bunch also showing there were some nervous riders in the pack.
The first of the Boardman Bikes Sprints and first points of the tour series went to Dean Windsor (Rapha-Condor-Sharp), showing that the teams return from Japan the night before was providing no need for excuses. Liam Holohan (Team Raleigh) claimed second place while Graham Briggs (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) ensured the spectators got used to the black, pink and white colours by taking third place. The second sprint again featured Windsor, taking third place in a close gallop to the line. Liam Holohan took out the third sprint and the sprint jersey with 10 points; however Briggs and Windsor are sitting on 9 and 8 points respectively after the first round.
Rapha Condor Sharp left the crowd holding their breath, when in the final laps a break of six riders got away, including Australian duo Dean Windsor and Zack Dempster. It appeared Rapha Condor Sharp had played their cards to perfection, being the best represented team in the break. However with just one lap to go the break was caught and the crowd caught a breath, before taking a final gulp of air preparing for the dash to the line.
Tony Gibb (CyclingPremier.com – Metaltek) took out the finish with Malcolm Elliott (Motorpoint- Marshalls Pasta) taking second. However Rapha Condor Sharp were the team of the day taking out the victory with Dean Downing in 3rd, Dean Windsor in 5th even after being a member of the break caught coming into the last lap and Graham Briggs taking 6th.
With another 9 races left in the series, Rapha Condor Sharp have gotten off to an exceptional start. Bathurst locals can expect to see Dean Windsor continue to be a driving force for both the team and Boardman Bikes Sprint competitions.
1) Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta
2) Rapha – Condor – Sharp
3) Endura Racing
4) Pendragon – Le Col – Colnago
5) Sigma Sport – Specialized
2) Rapha – Condor – Sharp
3) Endura Racing
4) Pendragon – Le Col – Colnago
5) Sigma Sport – Specialized
Current Results
RACE 2 - Durham, England
Rapha-Condor-Sharp hold on to the lead by a point after a challenging day in Durham.
Durham provided a challenging course for the riders with a cobble section that was nicely positioned, beginning on a corner at the base of a short decent. A 400m climb was also thrown in just to really test the rider’s legs.
After a race that resulted in all but four riders being lapped before the finish, Malcolm Elliot proved to be the strong man of the day, taking out the victory over Kristen House (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) and Dave Clarke (Pendragon – Le Col – Colnago). Malcolm Elliott a seasoned professional has boasted an impressive past, which includes winning the Sun Tour in Australia, This victory adds to the 48 year olds impressive line of achievements.
Kristian House (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) made it a race that still displayed that his team had not let their series hopes faultier, by taking out each of the three Boardman Bikes sprints. Catapulting himself to 1st place in the competition with 15 points.
Dean Windsor told deanwindsor.com that “the race was a difficult one, especially with the climb and cobbled section”. However it seems that his team has done enough to keep themselves in a good position to expand on their lead in the races ahead.
The next race for the Tour series is in Portsmouth. On a course that could see Dean Windsor and his Rapha Condor Sharp teammates display their dominance of this series. Other Teams to watch will be Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta and Edndura Racing.
Rapha-Condor-Sharp hold on to the lead by a point after a challenging day in Durham.
Durham provided a challenging course for the riders with a cobble section that was nicely positioned, beginning on a corner at the base of a short decent. A 400m climb was also thrown in just to really test the rider’s legs.
After a race that resulted in all but four riders being lapped before the finish, Malcolm Elliot proved to be the strong man of the day, taking out the victory over Kristen House (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) and Dave Clarke (Pendragon – Le Col – Colnago). Malcolm Elliott a seasoned professional has boasted an impressive past, which includes winning the Sun Tour in Australia, This victory adds to the 48 year olds impressive line of achievements.
Kristian House (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) made it a race that still displayed that his team had not let their series hopes faultier, by taking out each of the three Boardman Bikes sprints. Catapulting himself to 1st place in the competition with 15 points.
Dean Windsor told deanwindsor.com that “the race was a difficult one, especially with the climb and cobbled section”. However it seems that his team has done enough to keep themselves in a good position to expand on their lead in the races ahead.
The next race for the Tour series is in Portsmouth. On a course that could see Dean Windsor and his Rapha Condor Sharp teammates display their dominance of this series. Other Teams to watch will be Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta and Edndura Racing.
What caught the
RACE 3 - Portsmouth, England - The Battle at Portsmouth
Portsmouth delivered a race that will not be forgotten in a hurry, with everything from fluctuating lap counts to crashes and Jersey handovers, this race will be remember as a range of titles, including the “Battle at Portsmouth” and “Revenge of the lap counter”.
In this high paced race, misfortune fell upon a number of riders. 48 year old Winner at Durham, Malcolm Elliott was forced to pull out of today’s stage after a nasty crash. Also Rapha-Condor-Sharp rider Dean Downing suffered a puncture with just two laps to go.
Despite losing Malcolm Elliot, Motorpoint-Marshalls-Pasta still managed to place three of their riders in the top 8 finishers, including Ian Bibby who toke out the Victory. This pushed them into the Series Lead. Yanto Barker (Pendragon – Le Col – Colnago) and Ian Wilkinson (Endura Racing) rounded out the top three.
Rapha Condor Sharp have dropped to fourth on the overall standings, however their display of class at Canary Wharf has shown they have the ability to shut down their 7 point deficit given but a slight window of opportunity. Kristian House (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) still leads the Boardman Bikes Sprint competition by one point over Liam Holohan (Team Raleigh).
Look forward to seeing some exciting racing From Dean Windsor and team Rapha-Condor-Sharp as well as the battle continues in Exeter on Thursday night.
Portsmouth delivered a race that will not be forgotten in a hurry, with everything from fluctuating lap counts to crashes and Jersey handovers, this race will be remember as a range of titles, including the “Battle at Portsmouth” and “Revenge of the lap counter”.
In this high paced race, misfortune fell upon a number of riders. 48 year old Winner at Durham, Malcolm Elliott was forced to pull out of today’s stage after a nasty crash. Also Rapha-Condor-Sharp rider Dean Downing suffered a puncture with just two laps to go.
Despite losing Malcolm Elliot, Motorpoint-Marshalls-Pasta still managed to place three of their riders in the top 8 finishers, including Ian Bibby who toke out the Victory. This pushed them into the Series Lead. Yanto Barker (Pendragon – Le Col – Colnago) and Ian Wilkinson (Endura Racing) rounded out the top three.
Rapha Condor Sharp have dropped to fourth on the overall standings, however their display of class at Canary Wharf has shown they have the ability to shut down their 7 point deficit given but a slight window of opportunity. Kristian House (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) still leads the Boardman Bikes Sprint competition by one point over Liam Holohan (Team Raleigh).
Look forward to seeing some exciting racing From Dean Windsor and team Rapha-Condor-Sharp as well as the battle continues in Exeter on Thursday night.
6) Team Raleigh
7) CyclePremier.com – Metaltek
8) Team Corley Cycles
9) Kuota – road.cc
10) Team Ireland
7) CyclePremier.com – Metaltek
8) Team Corley Cycles
9) Kuota – road.cc
10) Team Ireland
RACE 4 - Exeter, England - City of medieval ruins & buildings that stand 1000 years after being built.
Without a doubt this was a town well worthy of a spot in the 2010 Halfords Tour Series. Providing more than enough character to ensure a spoonful or two of honor for the winning team.
The course was a challenge to find, after stepping off the underground it was difficult to know where to turn due to a mass crowd loitering in front. After the initial instinct to tell them all where to go faded, it was revealed that this was the bike race! There was no one deep crowd spreading the finishing straight here, oh no, Exeter provided a two to three deep crowd spanning the entire 1.5km course.
Our team in focus, Rapha-Condor-Sharp, were out to regain points after falling out of the lead in the third round at Portsmouth. They were also keen to recreate a similar result to last year where team member Dean Downing won the round. In order to achieve this however they would have to take the race to leading team Motorpoint- Marshals Pasta who were 7 points ahead at the start of the round.
Bathurst local Dean Windsor shone in the stage, ensuring the team was present in every move that counted. Initiating a number of threatening breaks, including a 7 man break that caused some extremely nervous and energy sapping chasing from the leading team Motorpoint-Marshals Pasta.
Liam Holohan (Team Raleigh) is in the lead in the Boardman Bikes sprint competition with 30 points, Graham Briggs (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) won the sprint competition on the night and is in second overall with 24 points.
The final lap provided an image that took nothing away from the character of this war hardened town. Second placed Endura -Racing putting forward a four man lead-out train on the left hand side of the road. This looked to be a daunting omen for Rapha-Condor-Sharp who were trailing Endura-Racing by a solitary point. However on second glance Kristian House and Dean Windsor were to be seen forming their own Rapha-Condor-Sharp train on the right. On the final straight there was no mistaking the Rapha-Condor-Sharp team kit, as they dominated the scene. Dean Downing (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) making the dream a reality and winning the round for the second year running. Zak Dempster taking second place and Dean Windsor taking out fifth.
Without a doubt this was a town well worthy of a spot in the 2010 Halfords Tour Series. Providing more than enough character to ensure a spoonful or two of honor for the winning team.
The course was a challenge to find, after stepping off the underground it was difficult to know where to turn due to a mass crowd loitering in front. After the initial instinct to tell them all where to go faded, it was revealed that this was the bike race! There was no one deep crowd spreading the finishing straight here, oh no, Exeter provided a two to three deep crowd spanning the entire 1.5km course.
Our team in focus, Rapha-Condor-Sharp, were out to regain points after falling out of the lead in the third round at Portsmouth. They were also keen to recreate a similar result to last year where team member Dean Downing won the round. In order to achieve this however they would have to take the race to leading team Motorpoint- Marshals Pasta who were 7 points ahead at the start of the round.
Bathurst local Dean Windsor shone in the stage, ensuring the team was present in every move that counted. Initiating a number of threatening breaks, including a 7 man break that caused some extremely nervous and energy sapping chasing from the leading team Motorpoint-Marshals Pasta.
Liam Holohan (Team Raleigh) is in the lead in the Boardman Bikes sprint competition with 30 points, Graham Briggs (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) won the sprint competition on the night and is in second overall with 24 points.
The final lap provided an image that took nothing away from the character of this war hardened town. Second placed Endura -Racing putting forward a four man lead-out train on the left hand side of the road. This looked to be a daunting omen for Rapha-Condor-Sharp who were trailing Endura-Racing by a solitary point. However on second glance Kristian House and Dean Windsor were to be seen forming their own Rapha-Condor-Sharp train on the right. On the final straight there was no mistaking the Rapha-Condor-Sharp team kit, as they dominated the scene. Dean Downing (Rapha-Condor-Sharp) making the dream a reality and winning the round for the second year running. Zak Dempster taking second place and Dean Windsor taking out fifth.
Highlight of the Day
Cycling extends past the elite to riders of all ages:
A group of four, near forty year old men are now part of legend. As the bikes they were riding became the second, third, fourth and fifth manmade objects to be seen from space behind the Great Wall of China. It is said that the smiles on their faces after sneaking onto the course when the race was done, provided enough energy to make their steel bike frames glow with such an intense power, that if bottled could have replaced the sun for a year...
Cycling extends past the elite to riders of all ages:
A group of four, near forty year old men are now part of legend. As the bikes they were riding became the second, third, fourth and fifth manmade objects to be seen from space behind the Great Wall of China. It is said that the smiles on their faces after sneaking onto the course when the race was done, provided enough energy to make their steel bike frames glow with such an intense power, that if bottled could have replaced the sun for a year...
Exeter: