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Race Program and Manual
The 2010 race manual and race program are now available to download from the race page

The Richmond GP - from a winners perspective

Alex Dowsett, 2009 winner gave us he account of the race.

"It was a difficult and tough course and tactics weren’t a big issue. The climbs were so hard -- Jesus, when I got up to what I thought was the top of Buttertubs I thought this is too good to be true, and it was, the climb went on again! But on the climb of the finishing circuit, I thought I’d hit it and soften everyone up a bit. We dropped down off the moors and onto a cross wind section; I hit it hard out of the corner and got a gap. I was hoping for someone to come with me but they didn’t. I was on my own and decided to just keep going. I was worried I would be caught because there were six or seven of them chasing but at the finish I was surprised by the time gap. Because the big-hitters were elsewhere, everyone wanted to take advantage and that made it a tough, fast race because everyone was hungry for victory, my first Premier Calendar win, I’m very pleased with the result." Alex Dowsett

Welcome to the Richmond Grand Prix

The 2010 Race

Sunday 1st August sees the latest edition of the event taking place, again the final event in the British Cycling Premier calendar series.

Now in its fourth year, the race will be contested for the third time over what is arguably the most challenging course in the Series. Starting in Richmond Market Place at 11.30, the field of up to 120 riders tackling a single loop up Swaledale and back down Wensleydale, taking in the climbs of the Butter Tubs and Scarth Nick before completing 3 laps of the traditional Waithwith circuit, including Waithwith Bank, to finally run back into the finish in the Market Place. For a full map of the race route click here

As well as the overall competition and awards, there will an award for the best placed U23. The tough King of the Mountains competition returns to be contested over the climbs of the Butter Tubs, Scarth Nick and Waithwith Bank, sponsored by the Sirius Group, Bike Fix and Phoenix respectively. New for 2010, a Hot Spot Sprint has been introduced on the run up Swaledale, just 10 miles after the start, to give the riders a focus while they prepare for the climb of the Butter Tubs. The sprint, for the award of a pair of Bontrager Racelite wheels , takes place at Fremington on the doorstep of the competition sponsors, The Dales Bike Centre. This promises to be a great place to watch the early action with its on site café and a great atmosphere, while still allowing for viewing of the race in its later stages.

As the final event in the 2010 Premier Calendar Series, the race will see that competition finally decided and the Series awards will be presented too on the podium at Richmond. The Mayor of Richmond, Cllr. Barry Heap, will be on hand to make the presentations.

The event has consistently produced winners who have progressed to the cream of the international ranks with Russ Downing (2008, 2009) joining the new Team Sky and Alex Dowsett (2009) joining Lance Armstrong’s Trek Livestrong Team.

In 2009 the event clashed with the Tour of Ireland and a number of the top riders were absent on international duties. As a result the entry saw a higher proportion of less experienced and especially U23 riders, this however did not detract from the quality of the competition. In the event the leaders in the latter stages failed to read the warning signs in the form of the skin suit worn by the then Italy based U23, Alex Dowsett (100% ME), and let him break away on the last lap of the Waithwith circuit to deliver a Master Class in time trialling for a convincing win.

For a full report on last year’s race click here

During the race the British Cycling North Eat Go Ride coaches will be organising skill based competitions for U16’s in the area adjacent to the finish.

We are grateful for the financial support once again of the North Yorkshire County Council, Richmond Town Council and the Richmond Meet Committee plus new sponsors Bikelicker Events Ltd, The Dales Bike Centre, The Sirius Group, Bike Fix and Wemmi Wipes and the cooperation of the North Yorkshire Police and Highways Authorities.

For further details on the Premier Calendar and all cycling activities visit www.britishcycling.org.uk