Raleigh aim for top ten in Tour of Britain

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Team Raleigh heads to the Tour of Britain with the aim of putting a man in the top ten of the overall. 

"We have two or three riders that will come out as team leaders: Fleeman, Handley and Holohan. Potentially, any of them could be the best rider for the GC," team manager Eddie White said.

The signs from the British team are promising. Dan Fleeman was third at the Premier Calendar-closing Richmond GP on Sunday, while Richard Handley placed second at the Twinings Pro-Am Tour.

"We've been very competitive in the tours; in Premiers, we've shown we have some of the best climbers in the UK," White said.

While Matt Cronshaw was a surprise omission from the team, White claimed it wasn't really difficult picking the team.

"It came down to seven riders for six places. We put together what we believe is the best team for the race; it doesn't come down to individuals' performances, it's putting a team together."

Raleigh rode strongly at the recent Twinings Pro-Am Tour

Looking towards 2012, which is Raleigh's 125th year, White was unable to comment on specific details, but he confirmed that there'd be an increased team budget and "big surprises".

Team Raleigh line-up: Dan Fleeman (Great Britain), Richard Handley (Great Britain), Liam Holohan (Great Britain), Jeroen Janssen (Netherlands), Gael Le Bellec (France), Jamie Sparling (Canada).

Winner of Sunday's Richmond GP Andy Tennant is hoping that he can take his form from last weekend into the Tour of Britain.

Tennant finished 20th overall last year and posted strong showings in Blackpool, Teignmouth and Colchester while riding for Motorpoint.

This time around, Tennant wants to continue Rapha-Condor-Sharp's successful 2011 season by performing well once again on home soil.

"The Tour gives us great motivation. It's your home race so you're spirits are high, and of course you want to get up there at the finishes," he told Cycling Weekly.

"I've had a few good results in the race before, and the over the last few years the domestic teams are getting closer to that first stage win."

Tennant during the 2011 Tour Series

While several teams have ridden several stages of the race - most notably those between three and six - Rapha opted for a training camp in Sheffield.

Tennant doesn't believe this will hinder what they do in the week-long event.

"I've heard about the stages and know some are fairly similar to last year. Sometimes it's useful knowing the route, but unlike the Grand Tours riding the course beforehand isn't essential because you can always sense when something's going to happen in the peloton.

"You've just got to make sure you're well placed to capitalise on that," he added.

Endura Racing fans can meet and greet their heroes this Saturday in Edinburgh.

To coincide with the start of the Tour of Britain in Scotland a day later, they will be making an instore appearance at the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative.

Goodie bags will be offered to the first 20 people to arrive, as well as free entry to a prize draw to win £200 worth of Endura clothing. Visitors can also compete to win a signed team jersey, with the prize going to whoever rides the furthest in 15 seconds on a static bike

The team will make a one-off appearance at the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, Whitehouse Loan on Saturday, September 10 from 12pm to 12.30pm.

Entries are being encouraged from all categories for the Rapha Super Cross at Alexandra Palace on October 23.

Alongside the elite race, which aims to attract top names from both the domestic cyclo cross and road scenes, the event has six additional support events.

With the promise of Ally Pally's iconic view over the capital, a beer tent, DJs, frites and cow bells, the new promotion is one in a series of three that proposes to inject some Belgian-style razzmatazz and uncompromised course features into British cross racing.

The novice race is even offering some ‘fun surprises' like a foam shower shortcut and riders being bombarded by marshmallows.

"All you need is a mountain bike and a helmet and away you go!" suggested series co-ordinator Ian Cleverly.

You can enter now by clicking here (external link).

Lancashire commuters will be able to benefit from a series of events being hosted this month by Start and British Cycling.

The Start Cycling rides in Burnley (September 15), Blackburn (September 21) and Preston (September 30) aim to show the many benefits of cycling.

From 8am to 10am, cyclists will be greeted with an energy-busting breakfast of cereal bars, bananas, croissants and coffee.

Local bike shop staff will be on hand to service bicycles, and Lancashire County Council and British Cycling will also be on hand.

Take advantage of bike servicing and a tasty breakfast at the Start Cycling events

Event co-organiser Start is an initiative inspired by The Prince of Wales' attempts to encourage sustainable living, and ties in with BC's efforts to get a million more people cycling by 2013.

Joey Tabone, Chief Executive of Start said: "Getting out of a car and onto a bicycle - especially for shorter trips - is by far the easiest way to get fit, improve your heart and reduce stress. It is a simple step, that creates a better place for everyone to live, work and play."

The events are:

Burnley

Thursday September 15

St. James's Street, bandstand area

Preston

Wednesday September 21

Winckley Square Garden

Blackburn

Friday September 30

Town Hall

Meanwhile, a cyclist who lost his left leg after being crushed on London's roads has warned others about the dangers of travelling on two wheels in the capital.

Olimpo Gallarga, a 53-year-old cleaner and father of four, was cycling to work when he was caught between a lorry and a bus on Brixton Road, South London in February.

His front wheel was clipped which caused him to fall off his bicycle. Mr Gallaraga suffered a smashed pelvis and doctors were forced to amputate his left leg below the knee.

He told the South London Press: "The tanker went over my leg and I felt a huge pain. I was conscious and could feel it. I just feel so lucky to be alive and would warn all cyclists to be very careful."

As well as the huge amount of pain he felt during the accident, Olimpo must use a wheelchair or crutches and wear a prosthetic leg. After spending six months in hospital recovering from his injuries, he claims he is unable to work properly again and has hired a solicitor regarding his eligibility for compensation.

He has discussed, with Lambeth council, moving from his flat in Stockwell because his first floor home has no lift.

>>>We want to hear what's happening in your area. To submit your stories for CW's British news round-up, please email Andy McGrath or Nick Bull>>>

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