Another Exciting Cycling Victory for Cavendish as Wiggins Retains Race Lead At Guildford

Published on: 21 Sep, 2013
Updated on: 21 Sep, 2013

Guildford witnessed another exciting cycling race finish today, bringing back memories of last year’s Olympic and Tour of Britain events.

Mark Cavendish crosses the line. Picture Mike Ellis, Ginger Cat Photography.

Mark Cavendish once again showed his sprinting prowess as he dashed uphill, over our granite setts, holding on to win by just half a wheel.

Guildford High Street waits for the cyclists. Picture Dani Maimone.

Once again crowds lined the High Street to give the race finish a vibrant atmosphere, the expectation enhanced by a tension building commentary, broadcast by tannoy.

Nearly a quarter of a million spectators were estimated to have lined the route in Surrey last year and the expectation was that a similar number would show up this year.

Guildford High Street was once again packed long before the cyclists were due to arrive. Shoppers, some of whom appeared bewildered, apparently unaware of the event, despite all the publicity, struggled along the crowded pavements with their purchases.

Shoppers battle through the crowd.

Many shopkeepers seemed resigned to losing a Saturday’s afternoon trade. One said: “We knew it was going to happen. What can we do? We had the normal amount of trade this morning.”

Some North Street market stallholders were also thought to be less than happy with the restricted area left for them and several decided not to trade today.

Opinion among the spectators though was universally positive about the event.

Paul Williams.

Paul Williams had cycled 18 miles from Surbiton to watch the race finish. He said: “I am a cycling fan and this is a great opportunity to see some champion cyclists in the flesh. I ride in a few events myself and spectate at about half a dozen each year.”

Mark Stephenson with his son.

Mark Stephenson from Wellington in Somerset had set out at 9.30am to watch the stage finish in Guildford. “I watched this stage because it was one I could fit in with my work. I am a fan of Mark Cavendish and all the British riders.”

Carol and Wayne Price.

Merrow residents Carol and Wayne Price said: “It’s brilliant! It has a similar vibe to last year’s Olympic event here which we came to. It’s good to have these things in Guildford. We are cyclists ourselves and take part in some charity cycling events.”

Brian Ross and Helen Veasey.

Brian Ross and Helen Veasey from the Christchurch area of Guildford had cycled in on their tandem. “We cycled to watch the race earlier at Holmbury St Mary, had a pub lunch, and then came here. There was oodles of time to do that.

“Last year we watched the Olympics cycle race at Ripley where they had a big screen. There was one here too but not everyone could see it. Anyway, it is more about taking part at a live event and enjoying the atmosphere.

“The High Street does lend itself to the event. The closeness of the crowd, the sharp corner at the bottom of the uphill High Street, and the cobbled surface all make for a good race finish. We hope there will be more similar events for us to watch and hope that this might be a regular thing.”

Within minutes of the race finishing teams worked to dismantle the barriers, and advertising banners that have followed the race around the country.

Interviewed on TV afterwards, race winner Mark Cavendish explained his tactics in the final sprint up the High Street. He said he was trying to nudge his nearest competitor, Elia Viviani, to the side of the street where “the surface is rougher”.

Well, ‘Cav’, if you ever gets the chance, you might like to take a slow walk up Guildford High Street where you’ll soon notice that in fact the surface and condition of the stone setts are ‘rough’ in just about all parts!

More pictures from the event, these by Mike Ellis of Ginger Cat Photography.