Elliott sets new Etape du Dales record

Evergreen racing ace Malcolm Elliott set a new course record for the Etape du Dales cyclo-sportive on Sunday (May 16).

Elliott, who rides for the Motorpoint-Marshalls Pasta team, covered the 176km hilly Yorkshire Dales course in a record-breaking time of five hours, 43 minutes and 24 seconds.

Elliott used a Pinarello KOBH 60.1, a frame designed originally for Paris-Roubaix and used by the Sky team this year. Elliott's frame was specially built in Motorpoint colours for him to ride at this year's CiCle Classic, Britain's equivalent of Paris-Roubaix.

Unfortunately the frame didn't make it to the UK in time for that race due to the flight disruptions caused by the Icelandic volcanic dust clouds but it was put to good use on Sunday.

Joining Elliott were a total of 723 riders in the sixth edition of the Etape du Dales.

The weather was kind on the day as the forecast early rain never really amounted to much and the skies brightened as the day went on. There was, however, a keen wind which saw many riders struggling, especially up Tan Hill where there was a stiff headwind.

Event co-organiser Keith Lambert's Motorpoint team were among the final starters on the day, coming along to support the event where all proceeds go to the Dave Rayner Fund.

Other Motorpoint riders to come in at or under the six hour mark were Steven Burke at 5:50:00, Pete Williams at 5:50:09 and James Sampson at 6:00:05.

There will be a full report in Cycling Weekly magazine's cyclo-sportive pages in the coming weeks.