The Circuits de Stone - June 18th
What is a Criterium ?
The race is a Criterium or 'Crit' forming part of the national Elite Series under British Cycling Federation Rules. It will be held on a 1.5km circuit o fclosed roads and lasts for one hour plus 5 laps. The short course makes for high speed, exciting racing for riders and spectators with the very tight bends demanding great skill to negotiate at speed.
The uphill sprint on Stone High Street will produce the very best racing. Prizes are awarded for the first 20 places plus special prizes for the best junior an dthe Best under 25 rider. There are also interim prizes, called 'primes' on a particular laps during the race.
One of these will be for the weight in beer of the first rider over the line.
Each competitor on this National A event will be an Elite, Category 1 or Category 2 Rider. Categories are determined by points gained in the circuit races and 'Circuits de Stone' features the best national and international riders.
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The Evenings Timetable |
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6.30 - 7.30 - Start of the Midsummer Party including Live Music in Granville Square - Introduction of riders and warm up laps
7.30 - 9.00 - THE START
7.30 - 9.00 - The Race - 1 hour plus five Laps
9.15 - Presentation of prizes and rider interviews
9.30pm - 10.30 Continuation of the party
Trophies by Waterford Wedgewood Flowers by Crazy Daisies
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BBC's "Voice of Cycling" to commentate
 The crowd will be kept fully informed of race progress with commentary from BBC's voice of cycling Hugh Porter . MBE. One of Britain's most successful cyclists, Hugh was crowned World Professional SOOOm Individual Pursuit Champion four times between 1968 and 1973. Born and raised in Wolverhampton, Hugh Porter took a Commonwealth gold in the 4O00m Individual Pursuit clocking a games record that took another twelve years to be surpassed, and he is a World Amateur Bronze medallist over the same distance. He has also competed for Britain in the World Road Race Championships as both amateur and professional and rode in numerous Six-Day events. He represented Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and has been honoured with both an MBE for services to sport and has a Wolverhampton road named after him "Hugh Porter Way" - leading down from Aldersley Stadium. He has also received an Honorary Degree from Wolverhampton University.
Hugh received the Bidlake award and was invited to sign the Golden Book of Cycling. British Cycling presented him with the Gold Badge of Honour their highest award. Hugh now brings his experience and insight to the B.B.C. TV's commentary team where he has been a familiar voice at all major games for over two decades.
He is the speaker for The Tour of Britain and has filled the same roll for all the recent British tours. The last time the Tour de France came to this country he co-presented Le Grand Depart in London for television and has acted as the English speaker for this great race on two occasions.
He will be ably assisted by Mr Mick Jeggo the promoter of the Newport Nocturne.
Meet The Riders
A full rider/team list will be available on race night because at the time of going to press enteries are still coming in at a great rate. However, the main entries so far are :
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 PINARELLO RACING TEAM
Competing in the UK and internationally, Pinarello star Russ Downing currently leads the UK Premiere calendar series and ex Tour de France rider Malcolm Elliott finished 3rd in the Cicli Classic.
Supported by a very strong team they will all feature strongly in Stone.
Russ Downing Pictured right |
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 RAPHA CONDOR RECYCLING TEAM
The Rapha Condor Recycling Team was launched in January 2008 and features Dean Downing, Chris Newton, Kristian House and the cream of British Youth talent. Look out for them at or around the front of the race on the l8th
Dean Downing Pictured right |
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 PLOWMAN CRAVEN EVANS TEAM
Along with numerous wins and titles on the road and track, including several time-trial , records, Plowman Craven - Evans Cycles ended up with three riders in the top ten 2007 rankings and are also ranked the number one race team in the UK this year. The season culminated with the team achieving its primary goal a ride in the UCI ranked Tour of Britain.
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 HALFORDS BIKE HUT RACING TEAM
Halfords has announced that it will sponsor an entirely British professional cycling team. National champion Nicole Cooke will lead the squad, which will look to put British riders in contention for a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Unfortunately Nicole will not be riding in Stone but two of their other stars, Tom Southam and Rob Hales will be there.
Tom Southam pictured right
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