With Covid now a memory (not great!) we are pleased to be promoting the races again.
The format will be as 2019:
Mens 3/4/J 63 kms (39 miles) 9.00.am start Regional B
Womens 1/2/3/4/J Handicap (39 miles) 11:30 start Regional C
Entry via the BC website using the BC system
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/279528/Southport-CC-Bickerstaffe-Road-Races–2023
Bickerstaffe Road Races 2020 – Cancelled due to Covid
Races this year will follow the same format as last year – hopefully without storm Hannah!
More details to follow.
Bickerstaffe road Races Saturday 27th April 2019
View results on the BC website
As a race organiser the last thing on your mind is having to cancel an event after all the work and preparation,
however I spent most of Friday monitoring the progress of Storm Hannah which was moving towards the North West on race day….as a result spent most of the evening answering riders concerns as to whether or not to travel to the event…
Dawn broke to lashing rain and gale force winds as I drove towards the course at 6 am, a quick drive around the circuit, apart from some standing water no trees had been brought down, so I thought good to go and started to erect the advance race warnings signs,no easy task in the wind.
Back at HQ riders started arriving along with my back room helpers Dave and Irene (signing on) and Pete and Wendy in charge of catering..
Followed by Neg motorcycles, officials, medics and others all of whom are required to allow the race and riders a safe passage, not forgetting lead cars this year as usual Eddie O’BRIEN (1) and Aaron Green (2),with James HOLLOWAY as passenger..and Ken Beck (3)
Marshalling duties and briefing over, all at the ready with a red flag, radio and a hi viz jacket our hardy club volunteers we’re raring to go (or not as the case may be) no fun standing on a corner in the rain and wind to do their bit for the club.
37 riders were mustered in the car park for the briefing in the Men’s race including our club riders Martin BAILEY and big Tom WILLIAMS riding for the first time in a road race and on his birthday too..no doubt thinking of other less painful activities to celebrate the day.
A no show on the day was club Junior Tom SPARKES all that training gone to waste! During the race over 12 laps (39 miles) both gave a good account of themselves, but on this occasion not in the winning break, eventually won by Phil Jones..
Next up the Women’s Handicap race over the same distance at 11.30 am, the weather not improving with Storm Hannah camped over us, however, 23 hardy women wanted to race and the first group set off with a 2 minute start on the Scratch Group which included our very own Maddy Scott who’s currently in a rich vein of form having had recent success on the road in Malta and set a personal best in the recent club 10,unfortunately not her day as she retired from the race suffering with cold and wet conditions. The race was won with a solo effort from Sarah Hardy,a superb ride on the day.
Then prize presentations were held inside the HQ which was crowded to say the least…
Club member and sponsor Andy Grice was in attendance and even managed a few laps in the lead car.
I’m extremely grateful to our sponsors Andy, MeCycle, Secret Training and the Velo cafe for their generosity.
Finally a huge thank you to our hard working club members who gave up their free time to assist with the event to ensure it’s success, without you it wouldn’t happen. Next year I’ll try pick a better day with the weather.
Hats off to Geoff CATON for riding out solo to give the riders a shout.
Cheers
El Prez
Bickerstaffe Road Races 2018
Results Bickerstaffe 2018Results for Web
Report by Club President Colin Baldwin
Neil Wright, Simon Deeley, Elliot Gough, Conor McKinnon and Martin Bailey
I was driving round the course at 6 am placing out ‘cycle event’ signs and finalising a risk assessment re potholes etc at the same time realising it might be a
dry day for weather after all. Earlier forecasts were to be proved incorrect. Opened up the HQ at 7 am and was quickly joined by ‘signing on’ helpers Dave Livvy and Irene/Jim Gunn..
Marshalls briefed and manning the junctions wearing hi viz and carrying red flags,all looked the part,without their valued support there would be no race. Lead cars driven by Eddie O’Brien and Ken Beck. Medics arrived after some difficulty finding the HQ (panic over).
For the men’s event there were 56 starters including I believe a record of 5 budding road race members from the club. Once into the race Junior Conor McKinnon was having gear trouble and was forced to drop back.,whilst the others managed to stay with the group, by this time the speed was high, each of the 12 laps saw our lads hanging in, and eventually managed to finish safely in the bunch. The winner was Mike Ashurst (Team Bio Space). Race speed averaged 26 mph.
Prizes awarded straight afterwards, with thanks to our generous sponsors., Andy Grice ….St.James Finance, Twin Lakes Velo cafe, MeCycle and Secret Training.
Women’s Event…
Sally Waterworth
This year run on a Handicap basis over 12 laps..39 miles. The scratch group started 3 mins 30 secs behind the front group.,with 36 starters and some riders not having raced previously this is an excellent introduction to road racing. In the front group was new club rider and Ironman qualifier Sally Waterwoth making her debut… In the event was Dame Sarah Storey with two younger team mates,with husband Barney providing neutral service in the team car, Issy McKinnon was excited to be a passenger in the car and see the race at first sight (a day she will long remember). The eventual winner was Jay Hine a development rider from Yorkshire…with Sally finishing in the bunch.
All in all a great days racing and my thanks to all who contributed in any way by giving their time to promote the sport and the club,I have received lots of positive feedback which makes the sleepless nights worthwhile.
Full results to follow.
Colin
El Prez 
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Bickerstaffe Road Race Programme 2017
Races this year will be on 
Saturday 15th July 2017
Resuts can be seen here 2017 – Twin Lakes Velo Cafe-Southport C.C. -Bickerstaffe – Men&Women – 15.07.17.
Following the success of the races in 2016, Southport CC will be promoting this event again in 2017. With assistance from Twin Lakes Velo cafe. Entries via the BC web site.
Saturday 30th July 2016
Many thanks to the clubmates who volunteered their time for marshalling the two races which were a success.
Also, Eddie and Ken(lead cars) Wendy and Maria(refreshments) Dave Livvy and Joan (signing on), Allan Taylor (computer) all the riders and officials.
Finally, our sponsors TwinLakes Velo Cafe & MeCycle for
providing the prizes which were presented by Lawrence.
Results can be seen here 2016 – Bickerstaffe Road Races Results – 30.07.16
Following from last years very successful and well supported event , SCC will again be promoting two races on the Bickerstaffe circuit:
a womens race for 2,3,4, cat women starting at 12.00 noon 74 km / 46 miles
a mens race for 2,3,4, cat men starting at 9.00. am 74 km / 46 miles
Event organiser is our Club president, Colin Baldwin.
Race HQ will be the Bickerstaffe Football Club. Entries using the BC on-line entry system only.
For more information see the BC web site here or e-mail bickerstaffeRR@southportcc.co.uk
