Having plied a his trade on the tough roads and pave of Belgium Jack Bauer fell short of the podium at the Lincoln GP yesterday, finishing a highly commendable 8th in his first date with this classic UK race. The Lincoln GP could almost be considered a UK 'monument', such is the prestige of this event that has cobbles, sharp climbs and a city centre atmosphere.
With an 8-man squad consisting of Bauer, Alexandre Blain, Rob Hayles, Rob Partridge, Callum Wilkinson, James McCallum, Evan Oliphant and Premier Calendar leader Ian Wilkinson, the Endura Racing boys we're in good spirit ahead of the 11 laps of this slightly shortened course. "Yeah, the boys were up for it", explained team DS Julian Winn. "Whenever we race, we race to win, it's as simple as that. There is a plan at every juncture, and central to that plan is winning".
As the race unfolded it became apparent that the only hope for that 'win' would be Kiwi power-house Bauer, as with 6 laps to go he was in the select break of 9 men that would eventually provide the winner.
Winn continued, "Jack was strong as an ox yesterday, but when it came to the winning move he wasn't quite there. He rode very well for his first Lincoln and I hope he can learn from what happened out there, basically he has had 3 or 4 races in the UK now and he is learning the 'UK-way' all of the time."
Speaking about the rest of the squad Winn was philosophical, but aware that it wasn't a great day for the team. "Wilko (Ian Wilkinson) and Alex (Blain) weren't firing today, they were both riding depleted. They have both been ill this week, that's not an excuse, it's the reality of the situation. Evan (Oliphant) rode a good race today though, and was basically in the front group throughout. A few of the boys didn't have a great day, but we all know that there is more to come. I am not panicing, we have had a good early-season, with a couple of tough races in the last few weeks. The guys have got the form, and are all working hard, so things are still in place to turn things around."
British Cycling's race report