The 54th Licoln Grand Prix

[-Adam-]

Well, right now I'm not really in the best of moods to report. So here is the bare bones.

In a nutshell, I had a sh1t race. I had a sh1t start and consequently found myself in the rear 3rd of the peloton. Moving up was nigh on impossible as the speed was unspeakably high. Then when we reached the climb of Michealgate for the first of 11 ascents, the race turned into utter carnage. About 20 or so riders ahead of me there was some sort of traffic jam, not a crash I think, but riders were stopping all the same. This meant that by the time I reached the top, and the long drag along it, I was chasing in a group of riders I knew would not finish the race. So after 18 minutes of the Lincoln, I knew it was over already. That is not a nice thought let me tell you.

I spent another couple of laps chasing, then the 3rd time up the hill, a load of the team cars had been allowed passed us. Though becuase of riders being dropped ahead, they were blocking the climb!! At this point, I was forced to a standstill. Re-starting on a 16% cobbled gradient is not easy, when I got over the top, I was on my own. After a while I realised the car behind was the broom wagon. Because of the rolling road closure in place, there was a strict five minute cut off. So I jumped before I was pushed, I looked round and shook my head, the car came along side acknowledged me, and disappeared off to pull out the group I was just in anyway. Rode the 4th lap to get back to the boss, and that was that.

I'm sure in a few days I'll appreciate the race, and the experience of it. But to come away having ridden just an hour of the Lincoln is bitterly disappointing. It was no-ones fault but my own, my usual ineptitude at bunch positioning letting me down once again.

Russ Downing won, no change there then, but credit where credits due, he was super strong.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Seems my translation was correct..

Seriously Adam, well done for having a crack at that, and appreciating just what a step up that standard is.

[kieran]

well done for trying Adam, I read the report on the lIncoln website and it sounded like a very hard race.

[Michelle]

What a day. Sorry to hear this Adam, I was hoping you were going to have a bit of exciting stuff to tell us about. I have walked up that hill each Saturday for most of my formative years, so I know what a bitch it is. Hats off for not being too afraid to try, I think a few people would have ducked out of such a prestigious event as their first premier calendar ride.

Next year, there is always next year. Just think what you were like last year....and what you are like now in comparison....and what you will be like next year. Eh, that should put a wry grin on your face, if nothing else.

[Btn Jane]

Blimey Adam, we were there watching, we were standing on the corner at the top of the cobbled climb. The pain in the faces of ALL the riders as they came round that corner made you realise what they were going through. Massive respect for being there and for getting that far, I wish we had known you were there so we could have looked out for you and cheered you on.

Russ did look awsome up those hills, you can see why he's won it for the 3rd time.

[George]

Good effort Adam, I don't think I'd like to get my ass kicked in a premiere league race.

Don't worry the dark side is calling and now you've got a TT bike you can come and do some 25's and 50's

That hill sound a bit like one of the bergs in Belgium, real steep and cobbled.

[Andrew G]

Bad luck Adam, but all experience in the bag for the next race I'm sure.

Seeing as how they show the Premier League races on Eurosport how about having a charge off the front straight from the flag next time so we can all watch you on the tele .