Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix 2025 - Race Preview
Sunday 11th May 2025
9am start
Whilst it seems a long time since the team raced on UK roads the calendar has been filled with races across Europe but at least half the team head home on Sunday for the 3rd round of the National Road Series, the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix.
Lincoln has become a firm favourite on the race calendar, always delivering an exciting, unpredictable race, big crowds, lively atmosphere, and a full day of epic racing action.
Lincoln celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Women’s Rapha Lincoln GP this weekend and as I write, we’re anticipating another sun drenched race.
Last year was a race quickly forgotten by the team but with such a strong start to 2025 and two riders (Lucy Harris and Bexy) in the overall classification top ten, we’ll be looking for a strong team performance in what is our home race.
The race is scheduled to start at 9am, taking in eight laps of the 13km circuit which takes the riders through Lincoln’s picturesque Bailgate, down the fast and spectacular descent through Burton village and, of course, climbing the iconic Michealgate to the finish line below the triple towers of Lincoln Cathedral.
The peloton ascending the spectacular Michaelgate last year
Lincoln always promises exciting racing, Michaelgate often forming the key moments in front of some of the biggest crowds of the season as the race inevitably splits apart on the climb and wears down the chasers.
The finish is often a dramatic and unpredictable affair, if a breakaway hasn’t managed to stick on the penultimate lap we often see a vastly reduced peloton battle it out on the cobbled climb.
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!
Whilst half the team are racing in Lincoln on Sunday, the other half will be in Belgium competing in the Trofee Maarten Wynants UCI 1.1 race before we head out to the Czech Republic for the Tour de Feminin UCI 2.2 stage race from 15th to the 18th, so a very busy week for everyone.
We’ll be bringing you a report and reaction from Lincoln next week and watch out on Instagram for updates and reaction from all our races this week.
Words and media by Adam Winfield