Author: Sean Leckey

Save up to 38% on Cannondale Synapse Dura Ace carbon road bikes

Performance focused, confident handling and perfect for long days in the saddle.

Cannondale’s Synapse range combines race-ready performance with endurance geometry to make the ultimate sportive bike. Synapse’s Endurance Geometry provides stable, confident handling, and a more upright riding position for all-day comfort. Built to keep you riding faster for longer, the Synapse comes with clearance for mudguards and subtle rack mounts making it perfect for multi-day rides in all conditions.

Synapse Key Features:

• Multi Award winning endurance bike
• S.A.V.E PLUS Micro-Suspension System reduces vibration and makes for a comfortable ride.
• Endurance geometry keeps you riding faster for longer.
• Designed for full length mudguards with stays
• Shimano Dura Ace disc brake groupset
• Clearance for 28c tyres
• 50-34 and 11-30 ratios

The Bikes

 

Cannondale Synapse HM Disc Dura Ace Di2 – Was £7799 Now £4799

The bike that tops the Synapse range – a high-modulus carbon frame equipped with Shimano’s electronic Dura Ace groupset and spec’d with Cannondale’s own Hollowgram carbon, tubeless ready wheels. This is the bike that the pros ride at the spring classics – think Sep Vanmarcke at Paris-Roubaix. It also comes with a ready to activate Power2Max NG Eco dual-sided crank based power meter.

Specification:

• Frame – Synapse Disc Asymmetric, BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon
• Wheels – Cannondale HollowGram Si, Carbon Clincher Disc, 19mm inner, 35mm deep, tubeless ready
• Groupset – Shimano Dura Ace Di2
• Brakes – Shimano Dura-Ace hydro disc, 160/140mm RT800 rotors
• Extras – Ready to activate Power2Max NG Eco Power Meter

 

Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Disc Dura Ace – Was £4999 Now £3299

A high-mod carbon frame equipped with mechanical Dura-Ace shifting spec’d with a set of Cannondale’s tubeless-ready Hollogram wheels. Hydraulic disc brakes provide ultimate stopping power and weighing in at only 7.5kg (56cm frame), this bike offers unrivalled value at only £3299.

Specification:

• Frame – Synapse Disc Asymmetric, BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon
• Wheels – Cannondale HollowGram Si, Carbon Clincher Disc, 19mm inner, 35mm deep, tubeless ready
• Groupset – Shimano Dura Ace
• Brakes – Shimano Dura-Ace hydro disc, 160/140mm RT800 rotor

Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc Dura Ace – Was £3999 Now £2499

A Shimano Dura-Ace bike for under £3000 is practically unheard of and at £2499 the Synapse Carbon Dura Ace blows away the competition. Available in either the Slate or Black colourway, both equipped with the latest shifting from Shimano’s top-end mechanical groupset and Cannondale’s premium Hollowgram chainset, the Synapse carbon has full mudguard compatibility and with disc brakes is optimised to ride in all conditions.

Specification:

• Frame -Synapse Disc Asymmetric, BallisTec Carbon, Di2 ready
• Wheels – Fulcrum Racing 500 DB, Alloy clincher, 26mm deep
• Groupset – Shimano Dura Ace
• Brakes – Shimano Dura-Ace hydro disc, 160/140mm RT800 rotor

A group of regular customers from our Wheelbase Lake District store recently took a trip to the French Alps to ride some of the climbs made famous by the Tour de France.

Celebrating a 50th birthday, the group from Lancaster had 7 spectacular days of riding based around the Alpine town of Le Bourg d’Oisans. Best known as the town at the foot of Alpe d’Huez, the area surrounding Le Bourg is stacked with Tour de France caliber climbs including the Col de Glandon, Col d’Ornon and Col de la Croix de Fer.

The group managed to pack in an impressive amount of riding in the space of just a week and ticked off the majority of the area’s classic climbs. After arriving in Geneva, first on the agenda was an opening ride up the Col d’Ornon before taking on the famous 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez the following day. Kitted out in Wheelbase team jerseys, the group of lads from Lancaster attracted the attention of the locals and were mistaken for a pro team as they rolled out together from their accommodation. The riders were all supported from a team at Sportivebreaks.com who followed in a van with spares, food, clothing and offered motivational support when needed.

Schedule:

Sat 14 – Build bikes in Geneva, transfer to Bourg de Oisans and a local ride up Col d’Ornon.

Sun 15 – Alpe d’Huez (21 bends classic side ), Col de Sarenne.

Mon 16 – Ride to St Jean de Maurienne, Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer

Tue 17 –  Ride to Guillestre including Col du Telegraph and Col du Galibier

Wed 18 – Ride to Sault (150km, 1800m climbing)

Thur 19 – Recovery ride around the base of Ventoux and surrounding area

Fri 20 – Final ride in Provence – Mont Ventoux 3 different ways

Sat 21 – Transfer to airport

British Cycling HSBC National Cyclocross Trophy

Round 2: Westmorland

Westmorland Showground

5+6 October 2019

The North West is a hotbed for cyclocross and for years the sport has drawn huge crowds to the region. It has taken some time for a National Trophy round to take place here but thanks to the hard work and support of the North West Cyclocross Association, local cycle store WHEELBASE, The Fred Whitton Challenge and the Westmorland County Showground, British Cycling’s premier cyclocross series came to Cumbria this past weekend for the first time.

The Westmorland Showground event formed round 2 of the National Trophy series which sees the best cyclocross riders in the UK compete for the coveted leader’s jerseys.

The course, designed by Dave Haygarth and Stuart Reid, proved very popular and challenging with lots of short steep banks, twists and turns and off-camber descents. Heavy rain in the build up to the event made the course even tougher and especially muddy.

The course tested the skills and fitness of competitors and it was multi National Champion Ian Field and talented under-23 rider Harriet Harnden who conquered the conditions, taking victories in the elite men’s and women’s races.

Cyclocross racing is very inclusive with categories for all ages from Under 14 to Vet 60 and the race drew over 1,000 riders and their helpers to our region.

Also, part of the event’s ethos was to encourage the future of sport and to ‘give Cross a go’. Kendal Cycling Club hosted a Go Ride cross race with WHEELBASE and Frog Bikes for Under 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 year olds. The race was very well attended with over 100 kids giving cross a go for the first time.

What is cyclocross? Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing. Races typically take place in the autumn and winter and last 30 minutes to 1 hour. The courses consist of many short laps featuring grass, mud, sand, steep hills, steps and other obstacles that require the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike and remount. Cyclocross bicycles are similar to road racing bicycles – lightweight with narrow treaded tyres, drop handlebars and plenty of clearance for thick mud.

Photos from Dan Monaghan, Cadence Images and Ellen Isherwood

View the full gallery over on our Facebook page

 ELITE MEN

1 Ian Field Neon-Velo Cycling Team MS

2 Gosse van der Meer Bombtrack BicyclesHunt MS

3 David Conroy Scott-Eurocycles.com MU23

4 Cameron Mason Trinity Racing MU23

5 Toby Barnes RST/Cycle Division RT MU23

6 Lewis Askey Zannata Ride Coventry XGear MU23

7 Lewis Craven Wheelbase CabTech Castelli MV40

8 Nicholas Craig SCOTT Racing MV50

9 Steven James Hope Factory Racing MS

10 Sam Smith Magspeed Racing MU23

11 Giles Drake Wheelbase CabTech Castelli MS

12 David Duggan Wheelbase CabTech Castelli MS

ELITE WOMEN

1 Harriet Harnden T-Mo Racing FU23

2 Millie Couzens PH-MAS/Paul Milnes Cycles FJ

3 Sophie Thackray SCOTT Racing FU23

JUNIOR MEN

1 Rory McGuire LeslieBikeShopBikersBoutique MJ

2 Oliver Stockwell Team Ribble MJ

3 Daniel Barnes Garden Shed UK-SCOTT MJ

YOUTH BOYS UNDER 16

1 Oliver Akers GardenShedUKSCOTTVerge MU16

2 Max Greensill Hope Factory Racing MU16

3 Bjoern Koerdt East Bradford Race Team MU16

YOUTH BOYS UNDER 14

1 Sebastian Grindley North Cheshire Clarion MU14

2 Alfie Davies A Cycling MU14

3 Joshua Jackson The MI Racing Academy MU14

YOUTH GIRLS UNDER 16

1 Zoe Backstedt Storey Racing FU16

2 Ella Maclean-Howell Cardiff JIF FU16

3 Hope Inglis Team JRC FU16

YOUTH GIRLS UNDER 14

1 Carys Lloyd VC Londres FU14

2 Lucy Wollaston VC Londres FU14

3 Cat Ferguson Cycle Sport Pendle FU14

VET 40 MEN

1 Adrian Lansley Pedalon.co.uk MV40

2 Lewis Craven Wheelbase CabTech Castelli MV40

3 Alexander Forrester wwwZepnatcomRTLazerhelmets MV40

VET 50

1 Nicholas Craig SCOTT Racing MV50

2 Pete Middleton wwwZepnatcomRTLazerhelmets MV50

3 Mark James Dream Cycling MV50

VET 60

1 Roy Hunt Team Kinesis UK MV60

2 Robin Delve Mid Devon CC MV60

3 Michael Davies Individual Member MV60

VET 40 / 50 / 60 WOMEN

1 Kate Eedy Team Empella Cyclo-Cross.Com FV40

2 Lucy Siddle Allen Valley Velo FV40

3 Alison Kinloch PH-MAS/Paul Milnes Cycles FV40

It’s raining. You’re training.

Spatzwear has revolutionised extreme weather cycling gear once again.

After another year of testing, trialling and research, the all-new revolutionary range of overshoes and cycling base layers are here. Spatzwear are the brainchild of professional cyclist and NFTO team manager Tom Barras. Tom needed a solution to cold, wet feet whilst cycling. Spatz have evolved through countless cold wet miles in The Yorkshire Dales. They are designed from necessity.

Spatz 2019/20 Footwear

Spatz Pro 2 Overshoe

The range-topping overshoe. If you want the warmest, toughest, best fitting, best looking overshoe on the planet, choose the Pro 2. Designed from scratch in 2019, every panel uses ground breaking new fabrics and a brand new cut for a super sleek silhouette.

Using a new ‘Aero-Armour’ Neoprene throughout to guard against cuts and abrasion, Spatzwear have created a whole new weapon in the fight against the cold. The Pro 2 is 100% lined with ultra warm, ultra wicking Thermo fabric to trap air, transport moisture and keep you warm whether you are riding road, gravel, MTB or cross. The entire ankle area, toe box and velcro fastener is protected by Kevlar-topped neoprene to offer more protection from abrasion than ever before.

Spatz Roadman 2 Overshoe

Re-engineered with extended Kevlar toe area and targeted Aero-Armour super tough neoprene around the foot to guard against rips and tears, the Roadman 2 is an evolution of the original.

Warmer. Visibly reflective. Tougher. But just as sleek and aero as before. Made for the commute. Made for rain. Made for the road, the gravel, the epic adventures.

Spatz Legalz 2 Overshoe

The SPATZ ‘Legalz 2’ are the re-engineered version of the now legendary Legalz. Tighter around the ankle for a closer, sleeker fit and a Kevlar reinforced toe area for protection from nicks and tears.

Waterproof neoprene throughout with targeted panel thickness for warmth, aerodynamics, fit and comfort. Intelligent water-dispersing lining. Hydrophobic outer layer. Heat welded and taped seams. Vertical liquid seal gripper seals top and bottom. Wrinkle-free ‘pro’ cut.

Spatz Windsock Shoe Covers

Waterproof, sleek fitting, taped and bonded main panels with a super aerodynamic lycra leg section. The all-new Windsock is made specifically for (and developed by) the current Olympic Champion.

Strategically positioned seams right where you need them. Designed to make the most of the wind and ensure race-long comfort.

Spatz Toez Toe Warmers

Sometimes when you race, train or simply ride, you need a little extra protection from the cold and wet, but you don’t need a full overshoe. These times call for Spatz Toez.

Longer cut than the competition and produced at the direct request of the current Olympic Champion, Toez are a piece of kit that you will come to rely on. Engineered from ultra-premium grade Silicone, Toez sit very closely to your shoe creating an impermeable barrier between your toes and the driving rain. The edges and cleat area are designed to hug the contours of your shoe to seal any holes and gaps, creating perhaps your most versatile weapon against the wet.

Toez are designed with targeted material thickness to offer a snug, aero fit with toughness right where you need it.

Spatz Basez 2 Baselayer

The Spatzwear ‘BASEZ 2 WHITE’ redefines the cycling base layer. A new product for 2019/20. The most technically advanced base layer you’ll ever own.

• High Neck
• Thumb loops
• Extended rear section
• Moisture managing fabric
• Thermal yet lightweight design

A base layer developed from scratch and rigorously tested by the current Olympic Champion. Very warm and comfortable with yarns, thicknesses, weaves and cut designed specifically for cycling in the cold / wet. There is nothing like this. Worn next to your skin, the BASEZ 2 is designed to trap a layer of warm air and actively move moisture away from the skin. Cyclists have needed a base layer like this for decades. Here it is…

Take a look at the full Spatzwear AW19 range online now.

 

On a rain-soaked Sunday in Harrogate Trek-Segafredo’s Mads Pederson triumphed against the odds

In an epic race of attrition the 23 year old rider became Denmark’s first elite men’s world champion, winning a three-up sprint after 6 and a half hours of gruelling racing in the most grim Yorkshire conditions.

As a successful and challenging week in Yorkshire came to its conclusion with the men’s elite road race, rain-leaden skies loomed over the riders taking to the start line in Leeds. Before the race got underway the bad weather had already forced organisers to shorten the course, cutting out the day’s much anticipated climb of Buttertubs Pass. This alteration did little to put off the hardiest fans from lining up on the roadside to catch a glimpse of the world’s best riders as they passed through.

The combination of cold, wet conditions and the challenging parcours led to riders pulling out of the race at what seemed like every other kilometre. In the end less than a quarter of those who started the race crossed the finish line after an incredibly tough and testing 262 kilometres. Coming into the finishing straight the front of the race had been whittled down to just three riders, each guaranteed a place on the podium. Switzerland’s Stefan Kung had been on the front of the race for much of the last 60km and it showed as the finish line beckoned. With 200m to go Italy’s Matteo Trentin started the sprint and Pederson jumped straight on his wheel as Kung accepted his fate and settled for third place. Pederson found something extra in his legs and was able to counter, powering past the Italian in the closing metres to seal an incredible victory at the tender age of 23.

Riding for the Trek-Segafredo team at World Tour level, Pederson had endured a difficult start to 2019. After an impressive second place at last year’s Tour of Flanders the Dane went into the Spring Classics season with high hopes that were never realised. But his form had been building and a week before the Worlds he took his first win of 2019 at the Grand Prix d’Isbergues. And on Sunday in Harrogate he took the biggest win of his life.

The World conquering Trek Madone

For the biggest one-day race of his life, Mads Pederson chose the Trek Madone as his ride. Standing out above the rest, the Madone is in a class of its own. It’s fast, light, smooth, and designed to give you every advantage in speed and handling. Of the world’s most sophisticated road bikes, only Madone delivers the triple threat of advanced aerodynamics, superior ride quality, and unprecedented integration.

Advanced aerodynamics – In both real-world conditions and in the wind tunnel, Madone’s exclusive Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shape ranks among world’s most aerodynamic ever.

Superior ride quality – The fully integrated Madone IsoSpeed decoupler soaks up fatiguing bumps in the road so you can stay stronger longer.

Unprecedented integration – Every element of Madone serves the ultimate goal of unprecedented integration to make Madone the fastest, most advanced option on the road.

Ultra-lightweight OCLV Carbon – Nobody does carbon better than Trek. Only through our OCLV process can we create a lightweight race bike with superior handling characteristics and advanced aerodynamic performance.

 

 

THIS WEEKEND:

HSBC British Cycling National CycloCross Trophy

Round 2 Westmorland

5th – 6th October 2019

Westmorland Showground,

Cumbria LA7 7NH

Organised by North West Cyclocross Association and Wheelbase Cycles, with GoCross kids racing by Kendal Cycle Club

NATIONAL TROPHY CYCLOCROSS RETURNS TO THE NORTH WEST:

A hotbed for cyclocross, the North West will host a National Trophy round for the first time since 2005. The Westmorland County Showground venue has staged a North West league event in the past four seasons and this year has been upgraded to a National Trophy event.

The course is likely to be muddy and slippy with some sections of respite over hard-packed tracks. Riders will face some steep gradients around the Showground, ranging from power-climbs to out-and-out carrying sections. It’ll be a testing course guaranteed to make for exciting racing and spectating.

Access to the Westmorland Showground is very easy from the M6 and with plenty of car parking and on site catering from Leivers And Co and Coffee Bug

Sat 5th Oct – British Cycling National Trophy CycloCross
07:15 CAR PARK AND EVENT OPENS
07:45 Sign-on Opens
08:15 Official Practice
09:35 Veteran Men 50-59
09:36 Veteran Men 60+
10:35 Veteran Men 40-49
11:40 Veteran Women 40+
12:40 Official Practice
12:45 PODIUM presentation
13:45 Youth Girls U16
13:46 Youth Girls U14
14:30 Youth Boys U14
15:15 Youth Boys U16
16:15 PODIUM presentation

Sat 5th Oct – GoRide CycloCross Racing
with Kendal Cycle Club Juniors, Wheelbase Cycles and Frog Bikes – the lightweight kids’ bike
10:30 Register, ride the course and test out Frog Bikes
11:15 U8’s race (10 minutes)
11:45 U12’s and U10’s races (15 mins) – set off 1 min apart
12:15 U16s and U14’s race (30 mins) – set off 1 min apart
13:15 Ride the course and test out Frog Bikes

Sun 6th Oct – British Cycling National Trophy CycloCross
08:15 CAR PARK AND EVENT OPENS
09:30 Official Practice
10.00 Sign-on Opens
11:20 Junior Men
11:30 PODIUM – Junior Men
12:25 Official Practice
13:15 Senior Women
14:15 PODIUM – Senior Women
14:20 Senior Men
15:30 PODIUM – Senior Men

NEXT SATURDAY Kendal Cycle Club and Wheelbase are running a Go Ride cyclcocross event.

Designed for newbies to the sport (or those who’ve only ridden a couple of times). If you’re aged 16 or under come along and race – or if you prefer you can just have a go on the course without racing.

Stage 2 of the National Cyclocross Trophy will be taking place on the same day so you can be inspired by the best riders in the sport too!

Frog Bikes will be in attendance, with their fleet of lightweight kids bikes for you to test ride.

What is cyclocross?

Cyclocross is a great way to have fun on your bike during the winter. Cyclocross takes place on a course marked out on the grass. Riders do laps of the course for a set amount of time (starting at 10 mins for the Under 8’s through to 30 minutes for the U16’s)
As the race progresses the faster riders will lap the slower riders so everyone is riding around the course together. Once the bell rings you end your race the next time you cross the finish line, so there’s no chance of you finishing a long way behind the fastest rider. The winner is the person who has done the most laps.
Our Go Ride race is open to all first time and inexperienced cyclocross riders under the age of 16 years, and is a great chance to find out what cyclocross is all about.

What should I wear?

You must have a cycle helmet – other than that wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather on the day. Layers are best, and avoid denim that gets uncomfortable when wet or muddy. Tight fitting trousers that won’t get caught in your chain are preferable.

Do I need a special bike to race cyclocross?

Serious cyclocross racers will have special cyclocross bikes but our race is all about giving it a go on the bike you usually ride.
You don’t need a special cyclocross bike, but you will need a well maintained bike with working brakes (and gears if you have them) and pumped up tyres. You must have your bar ends covered – if the metal at the end of your handlebars is exposed you will not be allowed to ride.

Come and try a Frog Bike

Frog Bikes, who make a range of lightweight kids bikes will be on site for you to have a go on their bikes – ideal if you’re thinking of getting a new bike soon, or if you fancy upgrading to a cyclocross bike. So if you don’t have your own bike you can always come along and have a go on one of theirs.
Children racing in the U14’s and U16’s categories will have to lift their bike over several low obstacles on the course, so if you have a very heavy bike you may want to have a try with one of the lightweight Frog Bikes for comparison.

What time is the Go Ride cyclocross?

The course will be open from 10am through to 2.30pm with racing taking place from 11.15am until about 1.15pm. The rest of the time you can just have a go on the course. Please arrive in plenty of time to park and register.

What time will my race be?

11:15am – U8’s (10 minutes)
11:45am – U10’s and U12’s (15 minutes)
12:15 – U14’s and U16’s (30 minutes)
13.15pm – Come a ride the course (and test out Frog Bikes)

How much will it cost?

Race fee is £1 per child, with donations to KCC and Wheels 4 All gratefully accepted. Parking is £3 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to go and cheer on the elite riders taking part in the National Cyclocross Trophy event.

Will I have to push or carry my bike?

The older you are, the more difficult the course, and there may be a couple of slopes on the course. Some people will ride up them, others prefer to get off and push their bike.
The U14’s and U16’s will have small obstacles (about ankle height) to lift their bikes over – the younger riders don’t.

I regularly race in the NWCCA (or other) league – can I take part in the Go Ride racing?

Whilst we don’t want to exclude anyone from the race, please be aware that Go Ride is entry level racing designed to encourage children who don’t normally race to give it a go.

If you regularly race in a league why not bring your friends along and ride with them? We also need help signing people on and marshalling if you’re an older rider (or parent).

For more information on the National Cyclocross Trophy event at the Westmorland Showground go to https://nationaltrophywestmorland.ukcyclocross.co.uk/

Wheelbase rider Lucy Bell took to the start line at the last big race of the year

The Ard Moors Enduro Class final consists of a 40km loop with five timed stages in the North York Moors National Park. It takes in the highest hills on the moors, old-school classic DH tracks, steep woods and stunning single track.

Lucy Bell gave us her thoughts on how the event went:

“Ard Moors was the last big race on the calendar for 2019 and it really had come round fast! Seems like no time since the long drive down to Afan for the first British National Enduro Race.

The Yorkshire Moors did not disappoint – I’ve always heard the Rafferty lads put on a good race but the tracks at Ard Moors were some of the best I’ve raced all year. Not one bad track out of all 6, the transitions were scenic and got the job done, no complaints about those even with a cheeky hike a bike section on one. Highly recommend this event for all rider abilities.

I finished fourth in the race and after a summer with a few unexpected ups and downs I was happy with that, the girls ahead of me all being super fast and skillful riders. Good to see some new names and faces popping up on the Enduro scene and hope I get to mix it up with some of them again next year.

I’d like to say how hugely grateful I am to Wheelbase and Cannondale for helping me so much this year and I look forward to more fun next year. Thanks team.”

 

Staged in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, the 3 peaks is the toughest cyclo-cross race of the year

A Sunday September – Wheelbase has been supporting riders at the 3 Peaks CycloCross, deemed as the toughest in the world, for nearly 20 years and 2019 saw our cyclocross team rider Giles Drake take the start after his 3^rd place last year. Unfortunately, our seasoned pro Lewis Craven had to withdraw due to a chest infection, but we backed the team up with Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli riders coming off a summer season racing the British Cycling Elite series.

The Peaks is never easy and that’s its draw – a true battle of rider, machine and mountains. Here are some post-race reactions from our lads;

Giles Drake, 7th place:

“I love the Peaks, and after last year’s podium, training had gone great and winning was the goal. Simon Fell went well, reaching the top in second place, just 45 seconds behind Rob Jebb. Unfortunately, the visibility was terrible & I ended up off track, struggling to relocate the course but I eventually reached Cold Coates in 45th, 10 minutes down on Rob. Back on track, I knew it was just about making up as many places as possible. I had a solid run up & descent Whernside, catching World Tour Pro Lachlan Morton just before the bottom. I pulled hard on the road between Ribblehead and Pen-y-Ghent, continuing to make up time. The climb up Pen-y-Ghent went well initially, holding Lachlan but half way up, I started to suffer and from that point, it couldn’t end soon enough. I got down safely, rolling home 7th, 8 minutes 40 seconds down on Rob. From where I was at Cold Coates, I really should be happy but on splits alone, the win was there and I can’t help but be disappointed. Always next year…”

Dave Duggan, 21st place:

“I started my first three peaks CX race on Sunday, and with a general idea of what to expect from videos and reports from experienced riders I had prepared my bike and spares as best I could. I had hoped to not need to use any spares, but as the race progressed I ended up needing them all to get me to the finish. The weather was good and we lined up to commence the first on road section to peak number 1. The pedalable part of the first climb soon turned into an ever steepening walk/climb up the hillside, until we reached the clouds and followed the fence, flags and outline of other riders to guide us to the summit. The descent was very challenging, with large sharp rocks and soft unpredictable marsh to negotiate and a stiff wind pushing you into the features you were aiming to avoid. I got to the bottom successfully and collect my first bottle and feed from Stu.

We rode in a good group to the second peak, which was largely a walk/climb up steep rocky steps, though in now clear weather conditions I allowed myself to take in the stunning scenery on one of the less technical sections as we neared the top. The second descent had some very steep, rocky sections, which my self-preserving instinct made sure I dismounted for. The relentless rocky steps on this descent, on a cyclocross bike with hard tyres really took their toll on my hands and as the terrain flattened and smoothed out, my body welcomed the more familiar type of riding. It was then Giles caught me and it was great to get in with an experienced rider like him to follow through the final sections of the descent. We then caught Lachlan and together in a small group were on our way to the third and final peak along the tarmac section.

Things seemed to be going alright until I realised that I’d picked up a front wheel puncture on the previous descent, so I was forced to stop and repair it, and in so lost touch with the group. All was not lost though and when I arrived at the final peak, Pen-y-Ghent, I began picking up places on the climb, which was slow and tough, but largely pedalable. Towards the top, on the final section of rock steps for which I was carrying the bike, I took out my mini-pump and inflated my tyre properly for the descent. The descent was fast and loose and I saw it as an opportunity to regain some lost positions, but unfortunately I was probably too eager and encountered three further front wheel punctures on this descent, two I plugged but the last one required a tube to be fitted to get me home. It was great to experience this iconic event, especially with Wheelbase support and it is clear to see why this unique event keeps enticing back so many.”

Davie Lines, 22nd place:

“The race started pretty steady this year but the pressure was on as soon as we hit the first climb due to the soggy nature of the course.  All the team were in the top 30 with Giles right up the front and looking good.  At the top of Simon’s Fell, the mist rolled in and visibility was poor and the track was heavy.  With a lot of hill walkers out at this time of the year, this made the decent more tricky than normal.  Giles had managed to make the front group of favourites but wrong navigation was soon to hamper his chances.  Dave Duggan and I had made the selection just behind and were both in the top 20.  Giles soon made his way back after his problem and passed me on Whenrside and pressed on to move back up to 7th at the end.  Dave Duggan on his first 3 Peaks managed 21st and I rolled in 22nd and 4th V40 just behind, all posting Elite finishing times on a very slow course. This was enough to give us 3rd team on the day.”

Excellent photography as ever from Dan Monaghan, Cadence Images

Cannondale 2019 SRAM and Shimano equipped bikes

We’ve reduced the price on a range of 2019 Cannondale Synapse road bikes, only while stocks last.

The highly respected Cannondale Synapse is a performance focused bike with confident handling and is perfect for long days in the saddle. The Synapse blends race-ready characteristics with endurance geometry and build to keep you riding faster for longer with S.A.V.E micro-suspension.

The Synapse comes with clearance for mudguards and can run up to 32c tyres. The bike also has subtle rack mounts making extremely versatile machine for multi-day rides in all conditions. We have great clearance offers on Cannondale Synapse bikes and you can chose from either Shimano or SRAM specifications.

2019 Cannondale Synapse HM Disc Dura Ace Di2

Was £7,799 and now only £5,399 – SAVE 30%

 

2019 Cannondale Synapse HM SRAM Red eTap

Was £6,499 and now only £4,499 – SAVE 31%

 

2019 Cannondale Synapse Disc SRAM Red eTap

Was £4,999 and now only £3,249 – SAVE 35%

Two colour options – Grey/Orange or Fluro  

2019 Cannondale Synapse Disc Dura Ace

Was £4,999 and now only £2,799 – SAVE 30%

Two colour options – Slate or Matt Black

Order online while stocks last