The Cunningham Classic is probably the one race of the year which a rider wants to win. It’s the hardest, longest and oldest race on the calendar with a win in this race being a very prestigious inclusion on anyone’s palmares.
Conditions this year were perfect and the team was well prepared to take on the challenge.
As per usual, early breaks went to try and get the KOM prize that come up early in this 176km race. After 40km, the KOM was contested once the early break was caught on the lower slopes of the climb. A counter attack saw a small group ease off the front, with the bunch setting an even tempo up the climb. With about 750m to the top, more attacks occurred and another break away formed off the front. This round of attacks also saw a large part of the peleton get dropped from the race and the first selection was made.
On the decent the groups consolidated at the front again and the next climb at Pilton came upon the group. It was here in this more exposed and steeper climb, that a big attack saw another group break away and gain some time.
For almost 50km this break was kept in sight and no one in the group was panicking. However, at the turn at Leyburn it was apparent the gap had blown out to more than 2 minutes. Still no one panicked.
On the run into the second feed, the group became more animated and a chase began. Coming into the second feed the gap was more than 3 minutes. This was not good news for the chasers.
For the final 40km the chase was on, but the front group had too big a lead and were not brought back. Pete Thompson took the win.
The team did well to stay in the chase group, with Condy taking the group sprint for a top ten result after Matt and Brendo tried to break away.
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