Liverpool Mercury

Planes, chains and conquering the Etape

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:48:00 GMT

LIVERPOOL Mercury (Dolan) member Dan Kenyon gives us an indepth look at how he faced down the Col du Tourmalet during this year's Etape.

Fabulous crowds. A bit surreal on the Tourmalet as the torture sets in. A grinning drunk German bloke at Super Bareges with too much breath, a can of beer and a vuvuzela (swine). There was a fun group of skinny shirtless Shameless style Mancs with some Happy Mondays Baggy groove music half way up shouting everyone on. You'll be able you spot them on Thursday as there is a little RV camp of Union Jacks. I recognised another pest from last year. A weird bloke with a sound system van. He looks like Burlesconi and dances around to truly awful camp Euro beat in front of you. "MOi et Tu! TU Et Moi!.." On passing a RV with a bike outside the door opens and a skinny Buster Keaton clone in nothing but red bib shorts and a straw boater climbs out with an iced drink in his hand, sneers at me and flounces off to check the view. All this Dante's Inferno nightmare was cured in the last 100 metres where the road curves slightly to the right so you can't quite see the crest. There was a stunning looking English girl in tight shorts and a very posh husky voice all yearning and pleading "Come on.... Only 100 metres left. You're almost there and done soooo well". I told my wife this and she says I was probably hallucinating...

Looking back I realise I was lucky. After the frustrating enforced walk up the Marie Blanque (sheer weight of traffic) we abandoned any thought of beating last year's times and took it carefully. I still had a shunt with someone just after the Soulor. He threw his chain (lots of that going on the last couple of days..) and went down under my wheels. That was in a village and an allen key sorted my bars out. On the long descent to the valley floor from La Mongie I got a front puncture but was only doing 25mph and had enough straight to brake in a straight line before hitting the next corner and flying off into the gorge.

Scenery - Has to be seen to be believed. Cycle heaven.
More women cyclists this year rather than wall to wall Moaca's - Good.
More wobbly cyclists as well - Bad.
Pau - gorgeous place.
Number of Rapha shirts - down on last year.

Team Sky worship? Well.. After shadowing a set of 4 guys in Sky kit for the last 40 miles. I come around a bend on the Tourmalet and there is an RV with a big "Come On Wiggo" poster with Sky branding and that portrait of Wiggo looking like he's just been goosed. Two girls in Sky kit sitting on chairs and an old white haired coach type (in Sky shirt and trackie bottoms and trainers) waiting to pour water over riders. But not just any riders - only Team Sky clad riders! It's obvious I'm British with a Condor bike and "Dolan" Liverpool Mercury kit but after soaking the Sky rider in front he looks at me; I smile and steer towards him and he frowns and pointedly turns heel! Bloody Groupies... I hope Wiggo tells him to bugger off tomorrow

I did have the satisfaction of the company of my friend who texted me on finishing last year to say it apparently wasn't as bad as I had made out... After I'd stopped for him a few times on the Soulor and he'd begged half of my last energy bar at Super Bareges I made him laugh when he suggested he might not make the finish. "Not sure you can finish??! Oh yes you well will! I told you it was hard but you wouldn't listen would you....? He's done the Marmotte and L2P back to back last year and thought this years' Etape was as hard as the Marmotte. I also spotted my French nemesis's some French club squad with cows on their backs walking for the second year in a row. What is the French for schadenfreude I wonder...

I will definitely go back to the Pyrenees and spend a week doing a climb a day but L' Etape is now over for me. I realise now after 2 in a row that I'm 20 years too late to improve. I could spend every spare minute training and still not get under last years 8.5 hours. It's too much pain with too many other riders to want to do it for the scenery when you can do the ride another time without the stress.

I would however thoroughly recommend anyone doing it once - just for the sheer glamour and spectacle. Some tough Geordie stopped with us at the finish to have his picture taken by us. He then paused and said " I feel like crying..." He was right. It is one of those experiences..

Congratulations to those that took part reading this. David: What a relief - and what a time. Chapeau! I have 10 days in Mallorca booked for next year instead and intend to ride around some hills as a double Etape veteran should. Pretending I'm a contender without actually having to rise out of the saddle and try to prove it anymore.

Juniors can get on track

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:24:00 GMT

PLACES are still available for junior riders to try out their skills on the track as part taster sessions every day of the week during the summer holidays at Manchester Velodrome.

With the summer school holidays starting, now’s the time to book a place and take the first steps in following the wheel tracks of Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton.

There are one hour kid’s sessions on most weekdays during the summer holidays, but they do sell out quickly, so book now. Cost is £5.90 per session, including bike hire and helmet hire, which must be booked and paid for in advance.

Ride a one-lap time trial for the chance to win a certificate and a cycling bottle. Contact Manchester Velodrome reception 0161 223 2244 (Option 3 on welcome message) to book a session (£0.80 charge for debit/credit card payment).

Liverpool mercury at LSP Circuit League

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:18:00 GMT

Liverpool Mercury Dolan continue to triumph at LSP Circuit League with many of our riders in top three positions. In Youth A Boys Thomas Croft and Charlie Kershaw are in the top 10, In youth B Boys we hold the top THREE places with Sam Turton ( 1st place ), Harry Lennon ( 2nd place ) and James Thompson ( 3rd place ) not forgetting George Bennett in 7th place. In Youth C Boys we hold 1st, 3rd, 6th and 7th places respectively with Chris Fallon, Patrick Merriman, Owen Kennedy and Charlie Saunders. In Youth D Boys Andy Fallon is in 5th place. In Youth D girls Lizzie Veevers is in 2nd position. In Junior 4th Sam Palin leads the competion with Danny Binks in 5th position having come 2nd in his FIRST RACE! In 3rd Catagory Chris Edwards and Ray Pugh are 2nd and 7th respectively. In 4th catagory, Andy Stott and Ron Plumbley hold 2nd and 3rd positions with Stephen Warner also featuring. This is fantastic for our club and special thanks has to go to the "Go Ride" team for introducing a lot of the younger members to the circuit and to our more "mature" racers who are always willing to give their support and advice! Well done!

Boardman's Lotus bike - restored by Terry

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:12:00 GMT

MERSEYSIDE cycling legend Chris Boardman has loaned several items from his medal- winning and record-breaking career to the new Museum of Liverpool.

The Olympic gold medallist, from Hoylake, handed over his famous self-modified Lotus Sport super bike, his first Tour de France yellow jersey from 1994, and the piece of Manchester Velodrome he crossed when he smashed the world hour record for the second time in 1996.

But what many people don't know and the media didn't mentioned is that the infamous Lotus bike has been faithfully restored to its former glory by none other than the club's main sponsors and lifetime member, Terry Dolan.

Here are just some of the snaps that I took for the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo, as well as a close-up of Terry's 'restored by' sticker near the bottom bracket of the Lotus. Chris even let me hold the bike while he was autographing a yellow jersery for me - sad, yes, I know. But he is that much of a legend, that he is a LEG-END!!!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COPYRIGHT OF JAMES MALONEY/LIVERPOOL POST & ECHO AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION

Club kit...will arrive soon

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:54:00 GMT

MERC members will be pleased to learn that the latest batch of club kit should arrive sometime this week, according to kit secretary Tony Delahunty.

Only fully paid-up members - those who have paid both their kit deposits and annual club fees - will have their items sorted in bags and clearly marked with their names ready for the next meeting, which will be on Monday, August 2.

But be warned, anyone who hasn't already paid all the relevant fees WILL NOT get any kit.

Members are also reminded that kit CAN ONLY BE COLLECTED AT THE MEETING and NOT BY CONTACTING TERRY OR TONY DIRECTLY - this has been by Order of The Comittee to ensure that everyone gets exactly what they have paid for.

Bill Bradley Sportive

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:34:00 GMT

ONCE again, our colleagues at Southport Cycling Club will be holding their annual Bill Bradley Memorial Sportive at Preston Sports Arena on July 25, starting at 8:30am.

There will be two routes of 40 and 80-miles for riders of all abilities, both starting and finishing at the arena in Tom Benson Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston (PR2 1SG - for those with SatNavs).

This is not a traditional sponsored event or race, but all proceeds and profits will be donated to the Macmillian Nurse Appeal. For further information, visit: www.southportcc.co.uk

Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Sportive

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:25:00 GMT

TAKING place on Sunday, July 18, the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride will start at Old Haymarket, just outside the Birkenhead Tunnel entrance, at 8am.

Liverpool Mercury (Dolan) members will be leaving from Litherland Sports Park at 7.15-7.30am to make their way to the starting line for those wishing to link up with others before the start of the ride, which is now in it's 17th year.

The 2010 event will feature four rides, including a 90-mile sportive, 54-mile challenge ride, a 30-mile community route and a 24-mile family ride from Liverpool-Thornton-Liverpool.

The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is the only cycle event with exclusive access to the Mersey Tunnel, which will allow participants to travel underneath the River Mersey, something which is practically impossible on every other day of the year, due to the volume of traffic passing through.

Even organiser, Mark Sandamas, director of Pennine Events, said: "More than 2,200 cyclists took to Liverpool’s roads during last year’s Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride. We are hoping that even more people will feel inspired to get on their bikes and take part this year.

"Cycling is a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active and this event really does have something to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a serious cyclist, or a complete novice, I’d encourage you to get on your bike this summer by joining in the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride.’

Merc member and pro-cyclist, Pete Matthews, will be taking part in this year’s Sportive Route. He was a rider in last year’s event and is already looking forward to the ride this summer.

Pete said: "I take part in cycling events right across the UK, but the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool route is by far one of the best. It offers lots of off-road paths to allow cyclists to take in and enjoy the scenery. The event is always really well manned, with marshals at hand around every corner, which makes a huge difference to the overall feel of the ride.

"One of the main highlights of this event is the fact that participants get the opportunity to ride through the Mersey Tunnel, a five mile stretch which is otherwise closed to cyclists. This really adds a novelty factor to the day and makes it all the memorable - not only for first-timers, but for those of us who are used to these kinds of events’.

Entering the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is simple. Just go to www.pennineevents.co.uk to enter online or to download an entry form for your friends, family and colleagues.

Sam wins in the GHS

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:08:00 GMT

Sam wins his age group at the Liverpool District GHS with a time of 20:14

LSP - track league 23rd June

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:43:00 GMT

Liverpool Mercury ( Dolan ) will present this Wednesdays LSP track event. Please show your support by racing, marshalling, helping or supporting! Help is needed from 18:00 to approximately 20:30.

Thompson victory in Southport

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Congratulations to James Thompson who won his age group (under 12)race yesterday at the Southport cycle festival inter schools competition. James led from the start and crossed the finish line half a lap ahead of the second placed rider. And in the race for all category winners James came a very close third behind two riders two years older than himself. James has done well considering he only came to his first Go-ride session at L.S.P. six weeks ago on a mountain bike, and shortly after asked if he could enter races. Thanks to John Stanistreet who has loaned James a road bike for the summer to enable him to race in the Wednesday league at L.S.P. and come out on Sunday club runs.

Blain escapes pack to win for Endura in Southport

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:32:00 GMT

FRENCHMAN Alexandre Blain took Endura Racing’s first win of The Halfords Tour Series, jumping away from his breakaway companions in the final 500 metres of racing to win a fast paced Southport round of the Series.

A determined Endura lost out though on the night’s team prize to Rapha – Condor – Sharp, who were also active throughout the race that boiled, down into a tight battle between the top three teams.

Earlier rain had cleared away by seven o’clock, leaving the sun breaking through and the skies clearing above the Sefton Coast in time for racing.

Every lap in the early stages seemed to bring an increase in speed, as the peloton enjoyed the long, flat straights that gave riders the chance to stretch their legs at the front of the field.

At the back it was a different story, with several riders struggling to hold the fierce pace straight from the flag dropping. Amongst the casualties was Southport resident Peter Smith, who was forced to drop out after being struck down by illness, a disappointment for him and his Raleigh team, who had been fired up to perform at their home event.

Endura Racing, Rapha – Condor – Sharp and Halfords Tour Series leaders Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta were all looking fired up too, with each sending riders up the road in probing forays as the big guns tried to get a move to stick.

Each move seemed to be in vain though, as lap-after-lap would pass with a couple of riders dangling in front of the peloton, but by the next lap the escapees would have been swallowed and another rider would take their turn to attempt to break the invisible elastic connecting them with the bunch.

When a break did eventual stay away after half-an-hour of racing, it was a high-class Anglo-Australian quartet of Rob Hayles, Ed Clancy, Dean Windsor and Casey Munro. The foursome built a 12" lead over the peloton, but that gap was gradually chipped away as Ormskirk rider James Stewart and Zak Dempster tried to cross.

Another high-class trio containing Munro and Clancy again, along with Ian Wilkinson then tried to escape, but with no Rapha – Condor – Sharp rider in the group its life was short lived.

Finally the big three teams succeeded in getting some of their riders away, with Blain, House and Ian Bibby all pulling away from the field. The trio built-up an excellent lead, and with each of the big teams represented the chase from the peloton was weakened, although post-race Blain and House seemed to suggest they had been unhappy with the amount of work done by the Motorpoint rider ‘policing’ the break.

In the closing laps four riders crossed to the leading group, with Endura Racing, Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta and Rapha – Condor – Sharp again represented through Jack Bauer, Andy Tennant and Dean Windsor, while James Stewart added the presence of home team Raleigh.

Approaching the finish, former Cofidis rider Blain jumped with about 500 metres to go approaching the final hairpin corner. With his breakaway companions slightly overcooking their chase and going deep into the turn, victory went to the Frenchman, well clear original escapees House and Bibby.

In the standings Motorpoint – Marshalls Pasta’s lead has been cut to two points over Rapha – Condor – Sharp, with Endura Racing just a point behind, as the leading trio begin to pull away from the field.

Behind the battle for fourth in the standings is just as tight however, with Sigma Sport – Specialized, Pendragon Le Col Colnago and Team Raleigh separated by three points, showing the racing in The Halfords Tour Series is as close as ever.

CLICK HERE FOR A BEHIND THE SCENES

GALLERY BY JAMES MALONEY

To see all the action from Southport, tune in to ITV4 on Wednesday evening at 7pm for an hour’s highlights show. The Halfords Tour Series is back in action on Thursday in Kettering for Round Six of the 2010 Series.

Round Roses Sportiv - 13/06/10

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:03:00 GMT

The annual "Road Roses" Cycle Sportiv takes place on Sunday 13th June at Tosside Village ( Near Clitheroe ). The ride takes in some truly spectacular scenary, the odd challenging climb as well as some fast flowing sections.

Having completed the sportiv in 2009 I can highly recommend this well organised event. The distance is 75 miles with two "food" stops.

Hope to see you all there.

JohnnyP

Lancs Lanes hailed a success

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Thu, 13 May 2010 21:45:00 GMT

AROUND 50 riders turned out in force to help keep the Lancashire Lanes event alive on Sunday, May 9.
Liverpool Mercury (Dolan), who have for the last few years won the 'Most Finishers' trophy, ensured that once again there was a sea of blue, white and black at the two starting lines outside Litherland Sports Park and Lydiate Parish Hall.
Normally hosted by Merseyside Wheelers, the 85-mile sportive was handed over to the Merc for 2010 allow the Wheelers a short break from running what has become a much-loved event across the North West.
Despite the short time-frame and limited publicity, there was still a strong turnout from other clubs across the region – most notably Liverpool Century, Southport CC and Liverpool Phoenix.
Participants wound their way through some of the most picturesque country lanes on offer in Lancashire before tackling testing climbs up Appley Bridge, Rivington and Belmount, then ramping up the speed via the flatlands of West Lancs to the finish post at Lydiate Parish Hall.
Merc press officer James Maloney said: “Once again, the Lancashire Lanes provided the perfect balance between enjoyable country lanes and tough climbs for all ages and abilities.
“We were truly humbled to be able to host this event for 2010. Hopefully, we will be able to pass the torch back to the event's rightful owners for next year and allow what has become a classic sportive to continue to flourish for many years to come.”

Friends Reunited

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:46:00 GMT

RICKY Garcia and Kenny Harrison are asked to get in touch with an old cycling friend of theirs from back in the 1960s.
The duo have been hunted down by Susan Jones, who has asked the pair to get back in touch with her via email.
Susan said: "I'm trying to find two older Mercury riders - Ricky and Kenny. Could you please find them, as I am now in the USA.
"I can only remember the old bike shop - I'm sure it's not the same one now.
"It was in the Everton area. I can't remember the name of the road, but there was an old church - I think that it was behind the shop. Look forward to hearing from them."
Susan can be contacted via email on: whooman2@att.net

Spud Riley Memorial Gran Fondo

liverpoolmercury@googlemail.com — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:46:00 GMT

MANCHESTER VELo have kindly extended a personal invitation to members to take part in the 2010 Spud Riley Memorial Gran Fondo on June 6.
Dave Riley, from Manchester Velo, has asked would it be possible for Liverpool Mercury (Dolan) CC to send along some riders to the Polkadot Challenge, which is being held in aid of Christies Cancer Hospital in Manchester
Riley said: "I am the organiser of the Spud Riley Memorial Gran Fondo and would like to see the 'Mercs' riding.
"This is the ninth annual running of the event and over this time ALL proceeds (£62,000) from the £20 entry fees have gone to Christies Cancer Hospital in Manchester.
"All info is on www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk. Our club is Manchester Velo and we have had a special relationship with the 'Mercs' for more than 40-years.
"I recently rode the three Shires Sportive and came across a group of your riders. It was good to see them all in the club jerseys and took me back to my racing days several years ago.
"I'd love to see your riders in my event on June 6."
For further information visit www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk or contact Dave directly on 01625-530931.