S4 Ep54: Brother UK Cycling Podcast - 2024 Lincoln Grand Prix Preview

The Lincoln Grand Prix is the most prestigious race in British cycle sport. Its cobbled Michaelgate climb has become a symbol for the domestic road scene. This year’s race will be the 68th edition in 69 years. High-quality fields in the men’s and women’s races promise an exhilarating day of racing on Sunday May 12.

Timothy John and Phil Jones, the Managing Director of Brother UK, host this detailed preview of a cherished race, with insights from a panel of expert witnesses, including two former winners, the race organiser, a sports director, and a veteran journalist who has reported from countless editions of the Lincoln Grand Prix in his 25 years covering the scene.

Dean Downing’s victory in 2007 has come to symbolise the race. The frame-by-frame sequence of his exhausted victory celebrations and the sudden rush of emotion that followed capture the drama of bike racing in a manner few others have matched. Dean shares his memories of an unforgettable day in the saddle and a victory that, while not his most prestigious, has greater personal significance than any other on a palmares crowded with race wins.

Becky Storrie’s triumph in the women’s race in 2022 could scarcely have been more different. Riding under clear blue skies, she executed a perfect race, soloing away from her competitors with one lap remaining and enjoying the rare pleasure of riding alone up Michaelgate to victory. Enjoy Becky’s memories of a performance that helped propel her to the UCI Women’s WorldTour.

Race organiser Gary Coltman compares his responsibilities in ensuring the continued success of British road racing’s blue riband race to being given a gold-plated trophy to polish and protect. He describes the commercial and organisational challenges encountered when organising such a high-profile event and describes the emotional connection between the race and its title sponsor Rapha.

Larry Hickmott, the founder and editor of Brother UK-sponsored VeloUK, has witnessed more editions of the Lincoln Grand Prix than most. The images of Dean Downing’s celebrated victory described above are among thousands he has taken of an event he describes as a photographer’s dream. Larry shares his memories of the race, his plans for this year’s edition, which coincides with his birthday, and identifies the leading contenders in the men’s and women’s fields.

Hear too from riders and staff from Brother UK’s sponsored teams, including recent race winner Charlotte Hodgkins-Byrne (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK), a former Olympic rower, from her team-mate Alice Sharpe, who will represent Ireland in the women’s team pursuit at the Olympic Games in Paris, and from Paul Smith, assistant manager of Brother UK-OnForm, on the team’s successful outing in Belgium’s prestigious junior Gent-Wevelgem road race.