Published: 22 April 2004
A spectacular new type of cycle race for this country will be introduced next Monday, Bank Holiday May 3rd at Palmer Park Stadium when Reading Velodrome Racing stages what it terms a two stage Bordeaux- Paris style of race. It will be a miniature copy of the classic road race of this name in France between those two cities which has a particular appeal in this country since the 585 kilometre race was won by English hero Tommy Simpson in 1963. He stamped his authority on the event again when, wearing his World Championship jersey he was placed third in the 1965 race.
The race at Reading will close a special track League programme, which starts at 1 p.m. that day, and will be over a total distance of 50 kms. The first stage, like the classic road race, will be a massed bunch race with approximately 40 riders on the track to contest a 20 kms event. The first eight riders over the finish line will temporarily leave the race while the remaining riders will continue for another six laps to contest another set of points awards.
Meanwhile the eight will prepare for the second stage, a 30kms battle behind Derny pacing motors which mirrors the pattern of the famous French classic on the roads ? which is sadly not now held owing to the density of traffic in France.
There is a full supporting programme of Hare & Hounds, 500m scratch for A and B riders and Veterans, a points score and a series of Youth League races. Racing starts at 1 p.m. Registration opens at 12 noon to 12.45 p.m. and non track League riders will be welcomed to compete as guest riders for a supplementary payment of £2. Contact Gordon Sherratt, Tel: 01628 415648