Stage 4, on Tuesday 15th September, was a circular route from Blackpool promenade. 97 riders started the 94-mile course, via Cockerham, Quernmore, Caton, Wray, Bentham, Slaidburn, Waddington, Longridge and Broughton. There were three sprint stages, and three “King of the Mountain” stages: Tatham Fells (up to the Big Stone); Cross of Greet; and Waddington Fell. Winner’s time for the day was 3 hours 32 mins, an average speed of 26 mph. The expected time from Aikengill road to the Cross of Greet was 9 minutes!
Photos copyright © Mike Winstanley (MW), Geoff Higgin (GH), Richard Wilson (RW)
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- Nicholas Roche, Irish champion, and one of the lead group of three on the ascent to Tatham Fells (MW)
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- Chasing group re-entering Lancashire near the Big Stone (MW)
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- The peleton, not admiring the views! (MW)
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- Spectators and marshals wait at the top of the Tatham Fells “King of the Mountain” stage (RW)
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- The lead group reaches the top (RW)
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- Downhill at last (not for long!) into the Aikengill dip (RW)
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- The chasing group… (RW)
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- …and the peleton (RW)
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- Part of the peleton (RW)
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- Far more vehicles than cyclists! (RW)
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- Meanwhile, the excitement builds at Cross of Greet (GH)
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- They’re coming! (GH)
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- The leaders approach the summit (GH)
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- The peleton disappears towards Slaidburn (GH)
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- 20 seconds later (GH)
