Linda McCartney Foods Pro Cycling Team

Press Releases

17.04.00

Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda & Lancaster Mercedes GP (Under-23)

Pritchard on Podium Again

Huw Pritchard of the Linda McCartney - Welsh Cycling Union development squad went one better than his third place at last week's Archer Grand Prix. He landed an accomplished second place in Sunday's Hertford Mercedes Grand Prix.

When 50 of the scheduled 106 miles of Hertfordshire countryside had been covered, a lead group of 23 riders formed. Linda McCartney-WCU placed three men in there: Huw Pritchard, Tom Barras and James Griffiths. The group worked well together for about 30 miles, but it would inevitably become too unwieldy to remain together, and so it proved. The group split again with 20 miles left to the finish in Hertford, with Huw getting in there amongst all the big names: Jonny Clay, Chris Newton, Matt Illingworth, Julian Winn (all from last year's Linda McCartney team), Gordon McCauley, Bradley Wiggins and Julian Ramsbottom.

With 3 miles remaining, Jonny Clay leapt away in a solo bid for victory. Seeing his chance as the chase faltered, Huw set off in lone pursuit. Jonny held on for an excellent win, while Huw stayed in front of the chasers to finish second. Chris Newton won the sprint for third.

"That's the best the team has ridden this season," said team manager Chris Lillywhite. "Huw is really coming good, and he's now receiving some excellent support from the rest of the team."

Lancaster Mercedes Grand Prix - 174km

 1. J Clay (Private Member-SLRM)  
 2. Huw Pritchard (Linda McCartney Foods-WCU)  
 3. C Newton (Middridge RT)

 
Premier Calendar Overall
				
 1. C Newton (Middridge RT)                   110pts
 2. J Clay (BCF Private Member)                90pts
 3. Huw Pritchard (Linda McCartney Foods-WCU)  89pts

The European Linda McCartney team fought their way through to the finish of the Settimana Lombardia in Bergamo yesterday.

Ukranian time-trial ace Sergei Gonchar of Vini Caldirola was the overall victor.

"I had a chat with Ciaran Power on Friday and we decided that he should pull out to save himself for the Giro d'Italia," said Sean Yates. "He's had a fantastic Spring, with lots of racing, and he was beginning to get really tired. I want to make sure that his form stays at a peak through May, so I have given him the next couple of weeks off to prepare. He's been a big success for us, and I think he has the capability to write some headlines of his own in the Giro."

Spencer Smith has recovered well after his crash last week, and Matt Stephens, Maurizio de Pasquale and Tayeb Braikia have all come out of the race with a lot of valuable miles in their legs. The back problem that forced Max Sciandri out of the race is not thought to be serious, and the only real problem at present is the virus that has laid Olympic Champion Pascal Richard low. His doctor will be keeping a close eye on him this week to see how he progresses.

The team will be spending their Easter weekend in Northern France for the French Cup events Tour de Vendee and Paris-Camembert. More..