Race Report - Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix 2025
The Lincoln Grand Prix used to be a wet, cold, early season race won by an early/mid race breakaway.
Over the last couple of years however it's been blessed with beautiful weather and unpredictable racing battled out through to the final couple of ascents of the iconic Michaelgate climb.
And so on Sunday morning, beneath an unbroken blue sky and with temperatures already rising into the mid teens, the team took to the start line beneath the soaring towers of Lincoln Cathedral. After our dominating start to the season we were looking to bounce back from a disappointing East Cleveland Classic, fielding a strong team with multiple victories already behind them this year.
Lucy Gadd racing through the crowds in Castle Square
Whilst the rest of the team headed over to race in Belgium, Alex, Alice, Lucy Gadd, Lucy Harris, Jo, Bexy and Sian raced to deliver a strong team performance and to bolster Lucy Harris and Lucy Gadds individual rankings.
Another aspect of this race that's changed in the last few years is the speed, and this year was no exception, faster again than last year and a full 10 1/2 minutes faster than the team's last victory in 2023!
It was no surprise then that as the race completed it's first circuit, and climb of Michaelgate, the peloton was already well stretched out. The entrance to the base of that first climb is always almost as challenging as the climb itself and Lucy Harris found herself delayed by a problem in front and destined to chase back on as the gradient flattened.
Onto lap two and a quartet of riders including Jo snook away over the climb to build an advantage of 60 seconds which always looked precarious, and was closed down before the start of lap 3.
The middle of the race settled into a predictable theme of attrition under the high pace, vicious climb and burning sun. The team remained present in the leading group, looking to remain in control whilst conserving energy and, as the remaining laps ticked down, they worked together to cover moves, chase down breaks and keep the pace high. Lucy Gadd the most conspicuous red and black jersey as the anticipation built in the growing crowds lining Michaelgate.
The riders pass through Newport Arch on the 3rd lap
Clearly no one wanted to wait until the final ascent to make their move and the race exploded on the penultimate climb and not the top only 6 riders remained in the leading group with a slender but growing lead.
Despite our best efforts we had missed the cut and despite a valiant effort around the final circuit, the podium positions disappeared into the distance.
As the leading group approached the city centre for the final time just 5 remained, with the chasers left to contest the minor places.
By the end of the race, encouraged no doubt by the excellent weather, the course from the bottom of Michaelgate through the Bailgate and along Newport was lined with spectators all enjoying the racing and hospitality of the shops and bars offering excellent viewing opportunities.
Lincoln is clearly the highlight of the domestic cycling calendar, attracting fans from across the country who are discovering and/or enjoying the hospitality of the city over the weekend. It deserves to be supported and encouraged by all stakeholders, protected for the future.
Race Results
Alex 8th at 0:19, Lucy Gadd 19th at 0:30, Lucy Harris 22nd at 0:30, Bexy 38th at 0:49, Alice 46th at 0:55, Jo 52nd at 1:46 and Sian 69th at 6:23.
It's a quick turn around as the team head out to the Tour de Feminin in the Czech Republic between 15th & 18th May before some domestic circuit racing and then onto the Tour of Britain. More details and preview to follow.
Words and media by Adam Winfield