ThreePeaks 30_09_12

3 PEAKS CYCLOCROSS Sunday 30th September

The 50th running of the famous 3Peaks cyclocross race is on 30th September this year.

The first race was held in 1961 with 40 starters including a team of 4 from Southport - Bob Newsham, Mike Wilkinson, Geoff Hornby and Gordon Ashcroft. By all accounts it was an eventful ride with the sprint finish being interupted by a "laggardly motorist" who crossed the line first! 27 riders finished this gruelling race with John Rawnsley of Bradford R. C.C. in first place closely followed by his clubmate Harry Bond in second. Of the Southport riders only Bob Newsham was able to complete the ride , finishing in a very credible 20th place.

Over the years many club riders have been on the start line including Tam Barton , Terry Wignall and John Parker but Bob holds the position of highest placed club rider to date. Kevin Bladon rode at the age of 16 in 1980 and completed three further times with the last being in 1988 with Terry Wignall and Nick Pope. Rob Whitfield also rode the event. Other local riders have also had some success with a win for former club member Ian Cuthbertson riding for Merlin Rock Lobster in 1999 and Formby resident Sue Thomas winning the ladies section in 1998 and 2000.

Changes in the course have seen the distance increase from the original 25miles to the current distance of 38miles starting from Helworth Bridge and covering the same three peaks - Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside and interest continues to grow.

With 698 entries this year and riders from as far afield as Switzerland, Holland, Belguim and France the race promises to be a great spectacle which is well worth a trip to the Yorkshire Dales. Further info

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