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Herbalife Grand Prix

Story posted September 20 | by Ian McVety

Atrocious weather conditions saw a depleted turn out at the Herbalife Grand Prix at Capernwray, North Lancashire on Sunday but organiser Geoff Newcombe decided to continue and those that made the effort were keen to race the tough hilly conditions with driving rain.

James Dunlop (Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk) was the first to attack as the race turned the corner in Arkholme and was soon joined by fellow junior and team mate Jamie Shirlaw. Matt Cronshaw (Rapha Condor Sharp) and Ashley Finn (Cycle Premier Metaltek) seized the opportunity and soon joined them. The quartet soon pulled out a gap between themselves and the peloton, using the winding lanes to their advantage.


Matt Cronshaw, Jamie Shirlaw, James Dunlop and Ashley Finn

As the race pressed on, the cold and rain took its toll as first Dunlop lost contact up the main climb of Sunny Bank and then on the penultimate lap, Shirlaw went the same way. As Cronshaw and Finn came in to view, it was Cronshaw who used his sprint to take a rain soaked victory from Finn with Andrew Hawdon (Herbalife/Wheelbase.co.uk) passing his team mates to take third place.

 
Matt Cronshaw – Rapha Condor Sharp

Result

1. Matt Cronshaw Rapha Condor
2. Ashley Finn Cycle Premier Metaltek            @2 secs
3. Andy Hawdon Team Herbalife/Wheelbase        @2min 20secs
4. Jamie Shirlaw Team Herbalife/Wheelbase         @ 2min 35 sec
5. Jack Cutsworth            
6. Andy Guy S I S
7. Alistair Robison                    @ 3.05
8. Ben Dean Clayton Velo                                           
9. Jamie Kennedy Glasgow Couriers                           
10. James Dunlop Team Herbalife/Wheelbase        @3.15