Archer International Grand Prix - 1.5

Buckinghamshire, UK, April 4, 2004

2003 Results Results Past winners

Four seasons in one race

By Gerry McManus

Julian Winn (R) takes a tight sprint from John Tanner (M) and Heath Blackgrove
Photo ©: Gerry McManus

Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos RT) rose best to the challenge from the elements in Buckinghamshire on Sunday April 4th when he took victory in the Archer International GP in England. Winn outsprinted Jon Tanner (Planet X) and Heath Blackgrove (New Zealand) after around 118-miles of racing in an eventful day.

An early break had a 30 second lead when the race was force to stop after police had closed roads due to a road traffic accident. The riders had to wait for over 30 minutes for a restart and retraced their way backwards onto the finishing circuit where the number of laps were shortened due to the extended route to reach it.

The peloton saw rain, sunshine, wind and hailstones during the 4hr 40min race when the all of the hopeful breaks reluctantly surrendered to a determined chase. The key break of David O'Loughlin (Total Cycling), Winn, Blackgrove, Simon Gerrans (Arctic Shorter), Steven Roach (Wales), Tanner and Robin Reid (NZ) went on a long drag up to Woodrow as they reached the finishing circuit.

As fatigue set, in the group splintered to leave Tanner, Blackgrove and Winn (and the lead car) to fight it out in the gallop. A miscalculation by a car in the race convoy almost caused disaster when he didn't leave enough space behind and the trio almost collided with the car and eager photographers at 40mph.

Former British champion Winn left many big names behind in his wake including four of the track squad scheduled to compete in the World Cup in Manchester next weekend.

Photography

Images by Gerry McManus/www.gerrymcmanus.co.uk

The final break containing Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos), John Tanner (Planet X) and Heath Blackgrove (NZ).
Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos) narrowly wins (no pun intended) the Archer GP from John Tanner (Planet X).
The podium - John Tanner (Planet X, 2nd), Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos, 1st) and Heath Blackgrove (NZ, 3rd).
A disappointed John Tanner (Planet X) bows his head while winner Julian Winn (Pinarello Assos) speaks to the press in the background.

Results, 118 miles

1 Julian Winn (GBr) Pinarello Assos
2 John Tanner (GBr) Planet X
3 Heath Blackgrove (NZl) NZ
4 Simon Gerrans (Aus) Arctic Shorter       0.38
5 Mark Lovatt (GBr) Planet X               0.40
6 Steven Roach (GBr) Wales                 0.47
7 David McCann (Irl) Carrick Cidona        1.08
8 Russell Downing (GBr) recycling.co.uk    1.14
9 Greg Sandy (GBr) Alcan Bianchi           1.15
10 Kevin Dawson (GBr) Planet X

Past winners

2003 David O'Loughlin (Ire) Ofoto-Lombardi Sports
2002 (2) Gordon McCauley (NZl)
2001 Gordon McCauley (NZl)
2000 Roger Hammond (GBr)
1999 Chris Walker (GBr)
1998 Jonathan Clay (GBr)
1996 Gary Baker / Elite (GBr)
1995 Chris Newton / Elite (GBr)
1994 Paul Curran / Elite (GBr)
1993 David Williams (GBr)
1992 Peter Longbottom / Elite (GBr)
1991 (2) Steve Farell / Amateur (GBr)
1988 Phil Cassidy (Ire)
1987 Steve Farrell / Amateur (GBr)
1986 Wayne Randle (GBr)
 
 
Past winners by Mario Stiehl, www.world-of-cycling.com