The Chorley Grand Prix field of cyclists will include local rider Richard Handley who rides for JLT Condor and will be wearing race number 21 on the day. Richard has been seen practicing up at Rivington in Chorley where the Chorley Group King of the Mountains competition will take place. We caught up with Richard to get his thoughts on this new circuit.
What do you think of the Chorley Grand Prix circuit?
I think the circuit is great, it has a bit of everything, the climb will suit our team especially. However, with it being placed early in the circuit, it's still a long way to the line in what will likely be mainly headwind that will always favour a chase group over a lone leader trying to hold the chase off as the slipstream you get from sitting on the wheels makes it easier in a group rather than solo. That means you could well find a couple of climbers going for it on the last climb but a chase group with some sprinters (who can’t climb as well from their heavier stature) and it's anyone’s guess whether they will make it back for the sprint finish.
Yes I train here a lot, especially Sheephouse Lane. That's my gateway to the Pennines really. I often head towards Tockholes or Rossendale, anywhere as far as Hebden Bridge, they all start with that climb.
Are you looking forward to the Chorley Grand Prix and if so, why?
Yes, it should be a good race, it's the first of our national rounds so it’s the first time all the UK teams will be together at one race for the year and everyone will be looking to 'draw first blood' so to speak.
How is your preparation and training going for the Chorley Grand Prix?
Preparation is going well, JLT Condor, my team are currently in the Tour de Normandie with Madison Genesis and Team Wiggins, so it's only five days between this race finishing and the Chorley GP but it should be time to soak up the race miles and it will make for a good race for sure.
Have you got any predictions for how the Chorley Grand Prix race will go on the day?
It will be very aggressive for sure, not raced like a race on the continent where a break will go early and a team will control it to either a bunch sprint or to set themselves up for an attack. It will likely be full gas from the start. I imagine a large selection will be made the first time up Sheephouse Lane and that selection will keep reducing and reducing over the next few laps until the riders who are in good form start attacking each other and at that point you could well find lots of small groups on the road. The wind will play a big part, it's usually a big tailwind up the climb but with a headwind it will put off the attacks on the climb and favour the bigger more powerful riders after the last ascent.
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Top tips for watching the Race this Saturday
Where to watch The Chorley Grand Prix - 4 April 2015
The road race will take in Chorley, Limbrick, Rivington, Belmont, Abbey Village, Withnell, Brinscall, Wheelton, Buckshaw Village and back to Chorley and you are welcome to watch along any part of the route. As part of the race there will also be the Chorley Group King of the Mountains challenge, which will take place on the road to Belmont and the Choose Chorley for Business Sprints competition, which will see the first three riders across the line on each lap scoring points and the rider with the most points at the end of the race will take the title.
The start
The race starts at 11am and is a neutralised start along Park Road, which means the cyclists will ride at a gentle pace maintaining their positions to begin with. The cyclists will complete five laps of the circuit and the race passes through the finish line on each lap.
Finish line
The finish line is on Park Road at the junction with Millfield Road and the podium will also be located close to the finish line on Park Road. Park Road will have barriers along the road to ensure spectators can see the start and finish safely. We all get excited when it comes to a bunch sprint but it is very important that you keep the finish line clear for the judges and the camera equipment. Do not jump into the road to take a photo. Please listen out for the instructions from the race announcers and stewards.
Good places to watch
There are a number of good advantage points around the course. There are many good spots in and around Rivington and Belmont and the Chorley Group King of the Mountains challenge will take place on the climb on the road to Belmont. Buckshaw Village will provide good views of the riders but the main family spectator area will be along Park Road in Chorley town centre where there will be family entertainment and activities while the cyclists are out on the course.
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