Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix 2024 - Race Preview
Sunday 12th May 2024, Lincoln
9am start
the team pose at the iconic finish line after last year’s victory at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix
The Road Race Series moves on to ‘home roads’ this weekend as we race around the streets of Lincoln in what has been described by many as the “British Monument”, the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix.
Lincoln has become a firm favourite date on the race calendar and always offers up exciting, unpredictable results, big crowds, a lively atmosphere, and for spectators, a full day of epic racing action.
The peloton begin the iconic Michaelgate climb in 2022
With fingers crossed for what looks like, at least at time of writing, a sunny, dry day, we preview the 2024 race and speak to a couple of team members about racing the Lincoln GP and what we might expect on Sunday.
This will be only the ninth edition of the Women’s Rapha Lincoln GP but it already feels much older, with a string of star names in it’s list of previous winners and participants, perhaps most notably Lizzie Deignan winning in 2015 on her way to the world championship later the same year.
Last year of course, the team took their first Lincoln GP victory, with Robyn Clay out climbing the leading group on the final Michaelgate climb. Whilst Robyn has since moved on and unfortunately will not be defending her title due to a heavy crash in last week’s Cyclis Classic, we’ll be looking to keep the title within the team and aim to name a strong line-up to battle for top honours.
The race is scheduled to start at 9am from Castle Square before heading north through Bailgate and around a lap of approximately 13km, with a fast, spectacular descent through Burton village and, of course, the iconic Michealgate climb to the picturesque finish line in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral. With eight laps, the race is scheduled to finish around 11:45am.
The Grand Prix always promises hectic and attritional racing with the strongest riders coming to the front up Michaelgate but often re-grouping shortly after along the deceptive drag up and along Newport. With a strict 5 minute withdrawal policy, the size of the group through the second half of the race reduces dramatically and we often see a small group enter the climb for the final time, decisive moves being made midway along the cobbled climb.
The winner is often unpredictable and, although the race profile brings the strongest riders to the front, the technical aspect of the climb, particularly the last ascent, can spring a surprise.
To make things more exciting, the riders will also contest the Ian Emmerson Michalegate Trophy, points being awarded to the top three riders over the climb on laps 1,4 and 7.
There are lots of opportunities to enjoy the racing as a spectator, grab your spot on Michaelgate and settle in for the day.
We asked Lowri how she found her first Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix last year, as a 2nd year junior and what she hope to achieve this year;
“The atmosphere on Michealgate was incredible, spectators screaming beside the road and ringing cow-bells, you don’t find that at any other road race! The climb is short and punchy and the battle into the bottom is always good, eight ascents definitely takes it’s toll but there’s plenty of time to recover.
Personally I’m looking for a good positive race to reflect the hard work I’ve put into my training so far this season. We’ve got a super strong group of girls racing and I’ll be looking to execute my role within the team and contribute to their success on local roads and with local sponsors watching on”
And Lucy Gadd added;
“Lincoln has always been a highlight on the calendar, the atmosphere on the Michaelgate is unrivalled.
I’ve never quite got it right for a result here though, I am often too keen early on but I will be all in to help my teammates at the sharp end of the race.
As a team we want to win. It is the local race for many of the team members and sponsors, so to get the jersey on the podium would be incredible, and we’ll hopefully make it an exciting race to watch.”
Finally, Jo who has ridden the race many times gave us a valuable insight into how the race on Sunday may shape up:
“The Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix is a fabulous race being one of the most historic and significant races on the calendar, the domestic race everyone wants to ride.
As a team it would be great to retain our title and that’ll be our objective, but almost anything can happen in the Lincoln, and we’ve seen already this season just how strong the competition is right throughout the peloton.
Personally a small breakaway would be nice to be part of but that doesn’t happen often in Lincoln, any team plan we create will be adaptable.
The climb doesn’t really suit my style but I love giving it everything down the Burton descent, and carrying my speed through the two tight corners at the bottom.”
And for Jo, a home race has some benefits;
“I get to sleep in my own bed the night before which is always great. The lack of travel and reduced logistics means less hassle for the whole team as well.”
The eight laps, each concluding with the Michaelgate climb, makes the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix a spectator’s dream. The climb is always lined with enthusiastic spectators and is the perfect spot to watch the action, particularly with numerous refreshment options readily available along the parallel Steep Hill and in the Bailgate.
Whilst there are numerous car parks in the historic quarter, it’s often more convenient to park in town and walk up, to avoid getting stuck ‘within’ the later men’s race, and making the walk back to your car a gentle downhill stroll!
We’ll be bringing you a report and reaction from the race next week and watch out on Instagram for updates and early reaction on Sunday.
You can discover more at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix Facebook page
Words and photographs by Adam Winfield