Lincoln in classic on calendar

9:28pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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It is top of most racing cyclists' list of events they want to win, and two riders from our region will be aiming for glory in the Lincoln Grand Prix on Sunday.

Featuring several laps of the tough, cobbled Michaelgate climb, the prestigious event is the fifth round of the Premier Calendar series and, with spectators lining much of the circuit, the atmosphere is electric.

Hundreds of fans packed into Castle Square at the foot of the historic cathedral last year to see Dean Downing take an emotional victory.

But Plowman Craven RT rider Tom Barras, from Keighley, and Team Chevin Cycles' Sam Ward from Otley will both be dreaming of stepping on to the podium at the end of this weekend's 147-kilometre event.

Ward is riding the event alone, while Barras is one of eight Plowman Craven riders down to ride the Lincoln.

Last weekend's Chas Messenger two-day event in Buckinghamshire was disappointing for Barras and his team-mates.

Their best placed rider, Scot Evan Oliphant, was fourth after the three stages and just missed out on the overall podium.

And Barras was placed 21st, just one place away from securing points towards the overall Premier Calendar campaign.

The only success for Plowman was Simon Gaywood winning the hill climb category with Tony Gibb second in that categorym as well as winning the sprints competition.