Standings after Stage 2 of the Vuelta
1)BRECHIN WIND :217pts
2)North East Titans : 122pts
3)dean michael : 106pts
4)Chappers67 : 0pts
4)fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)BRECHIN WIND : 10327pts
2)dean michel : 8895pts
3)fluffed up : 8527pts
4)North East Titans : 5979pts
5)Chappers67 : 3591pts

Stage 3: Monday, August 26 – Vigo to Mirador de Lobeira / Vilagarcia de Arousa, 184.8km.

Day three and already summit finish number two. However, this one is only a short, category-three ascent to Mirador de Lobeira that will be more appealing to punchy climbers and attackers looking to steal a stage win than the GC contenders. The stage rolls gently for much of its 184.8km course up the north-west coast of Spain, finally springing into life with an uncategorised climb and then the summit finish. Given that neither the GC teams or sprint squads will be targeting this stage, there is also a chance the breakaway could stay away.

Standings after Stage 3 of the Vuelta
1)BRECHIN WIND :352pts
2)dean michael : 178pts
3)North East Titans : 163pts
4)Chappers67 : 0pts
4)fluffed up : 0pts

Overall Standings.
1)BRECHIN WIND : 10462pts
2)dean michel : 8967pts
3)fluffed up : 8527pts
4)North East Titans : 6020pts
5)Chappers67 : 3591pts

Stage 4: Tuesday, August 27 – Lalin / a Estrada to Finesterra (La Etapa del Fin del Mundo), 189km
The so-called “End of the Earth Stage” starts inland and moves back out to the coast, finishing on Cape Fisterra. Although there is only one category-three climb on the route, a tough, undulating day awaits the riders that should once again suit a breakaway or the puncheurs in the peloton. The finish comes after a short, 2.5km climb, so the sprinters should be deterred, with victory instead going to the man with the freshest legs and best-timed attack.

Standings after Stage 4 of the Vuelta
1)BRECHIN WIND : 450pts
2)dean michael : 255pts
3)North East Titans : 237pts
4)Chappers67 : 0pts
4)fluffed up : 0pts

Overall Standings.
1)BRECHIN WIND : 10560pts
2)dean michel : 9044pts
3)fluffed up : 8527pts
4)North East Titans : 6094pts
5)Chappers67 : 3591pts

Stage 5: Wednesday, August 28 – Sober to Lago de Sanabria, 174.3km
The race moves away from Galicia on a day that is set to be a two-way battle between the breakaway and late attackers. An early incline will help an escape go clear ahead of the third-category climb of Alto de Covelo, which summits after 78.8km. The road then undulates towards the second categorised climb, the Alto del Padornelo, which summits after 141.3km and is almost certain to be the be all or end all for the break. Either way, attackers will ping out of the peloton on the descent, before two small, uncategorised climbs on the otherwise flat run to the finish have a final say on who will prevail.

Standings after Stage 5 of the Vuelta
1)BRECHIN WIND : 602pts
2)dean michael : 362pts
3)North East Titans : 270pts
4)Chappers67 : 0pts
4)fluffed up : 0pts

Overall Standings.
1)BRECHIN WIND : 10712pts
2)dean michel : 9151pts
3)fluffed up : 8527pts
4)North East Titans : 6127pts
5)Chappers67 : 3591pts

Stage 6: Thursday, August 29 – Guijuelo to Caceres, 175km

This day is more heavily leant towards the sprinters, although it is still far from flat as a pancake. Now moving into Extremadura, between Madrid to the east and the Portuguese border to the west, the route undulates and then dips downhill for the first 50km, before ambling along gently towards the finish line in Caceres. The final 5km are all gently uphill, so unless a late attacker manages to surge clear, it will be the most powerful sprinter who prevails out of what is likely to be a reduced bunch.

Standings after Stage 6 of the Vuelta
1)BRECHIN WIND : 745pts
2)Senor Stragglers : 650pts
3)dean michael : 448pts
4)North East Titans : 360pts
5)Chappers67 : 0pts
5)fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)BRECHIN WIND : 10855pts
2)dean michel : 9237pts
3)fluffed up : 8527pts
4)North East Titans : 6217pts
5)Chappers67 : 3591pts
6)Senor Stragglers : 650pts

As we have only a few more races until the end of the season. Welcome to the comp Geoff.


Stage 7: Friday, August 30 - Almendralejo to Mairena de Aljarafe, 205.9km

The first week ends with another day for the sprinters as the race heads into Andalucia in the south. Just over 205km, the route again undulates mostly downhill towards the finish line in Mairena del Aljarafe. There are intermediate sprints at 117km and 174.5km, and the road then rises slightly upwards on a small, uncategorised climb inside the last 10km. It shouldn’t upset the sprint teams too much, though, and a bunch finish is a near certainty. However, there are a couple of late, tight turns that the trains will have to be wary of.

Standings after Stage 7 of the Vuelta
1)Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 811pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 701pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 530pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 438pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 10921pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 9319pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6295pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 701pts

Stage 8: Saturday, August 31 – Jerez de la Frontera to Estepona (Alto Penas Blancas), 166.6km
After a couple of days of letting the sprinters have their time in the limelight, the climbers and GC riders return to the fore for the third and hardest of the summit finishes so far. The day undulates along for around 150km, before reaching a stinging crescendo on the category-one ascent to the finish line atop Alto de Penas Blancas. The climb is 14.5km long, averages 6.6 per cent in gradient and has a maximum ramp of 12.5 per cent, which arrives early in the climb. This section will probably see any remnants of the breakaway swallowed up, but it remains too far out for fireworks from the peloton. Instead, the attacks will be saved for the latter half and, with the race now in its second week, it is unlikely riders with designs on overall victory will be holding back.

Standings after Stage 8 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1006pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 832pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 617pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 502pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts

Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 11116pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 9406pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6359pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 832pts

Stage 9: Sunday, September 1 - Antequera to Valdepenas de Jaen, 163.7km
Stage nine’s profile suggests a rolling day ideal for a breakaway winner, but what it doesn’t show is the sheer brutality of the wall leading up to the finish line at Valdepenas de Jaen. Thirty per cent ramps await the riders here, and although it is only a short, uncategorised climb, its extreme gradient - combined with the fact that the riders have endured nine tough days in the saddle - means gaps could be opened up. The breakaway still has a good chance of staying out, but the escapees will be desperately tired by the time they reach the final climb and will be at serious risk of cracking as soon as the road rears up. They could survive the slopes if they have enough of an advantage heading over the preceding category-two Alto de los Frailes, but if not, the puncheurs in the peloton will come to the fore in what is sure to be a spectacular stage finish. Don’t be surprised to see riders dismounting and pushing.

Standings after Stage 9 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1196pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1012pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 7
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 502pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 11306pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 9541pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6478pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1012pts

Standings after Stage 10 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1358pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1212pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 940pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 707pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 11468pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 9729pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6564pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1212pts

Stage 11: Wednesday, September 4 – Tarazona to Tarazona, 38.8km individual time trial
After a first and hard-earned rest day, the riders return to action with a tough and hilly mid-distance individual time trial starting and finishing in Tarazona. The opening half is all uphill as the course ascends the category-three Alto del Moncayo, before dropping back down to the town as descending and bike handling skills are put to the test. It is the only individual time trial of the race, so GC riders who enjoy the “Race of Truth” will look to ride hard in order to make it count.

Standings after Stage 11 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1556pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1421pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1119pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 788pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 11666pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 9908pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6645pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1421pts

Stage 12: Thursday, September 5 – Maella to Tarragona, 164.2km
The riders return to their road bikes for an undulating day that should finish in a bunch sprint. The route is punctuated by a series of small, uncategorised climbs in the opening 40km and then the category-three ascent of the Alto del Collet, which summits after 90.5km. However, with the best part of 70km still to race, even if there are splits in the peloton, there is plenty enough road for the sprint teams to bring it back together in time for a bunch finish in Tarragona. They must also be on guard against crosswinds, though, as the final stages run parallel to the Costa Dorada coastline.

Standings after Stage 12 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1656pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1525pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1197pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 841pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 11766pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 9986pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6698pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1525pts

Stage 13: Friday, September 6 – Valls to Castelldefels, 169km
This day ends with more than 45km of downhill and flat to the finish, but the chances of a sprint finish are limited courtesy of the category-one climb to Alto del Rat Penat, which averages 10.6 per cent in gradient over its 4.3km course and rears up to a maximum of 16 per cent, which will almost certainly see the fast men dropped. A breakaway has a chance of staying away, but the more likely outcome is a second escape forming out of attacks on the climb and then its members battling out a reduced-bunch sprint. One other complication is the wind, which will once again be blowing hard and threatening echelons in the peloton and splits. This has the makings of a compelling day.

Standings after Stage 13 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1729pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1632pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1258pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 877pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 11839pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 10047pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6734pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1632pts

Stage 14: Saturday, September 7 – Baga to Andorra (Collada de la Gallina), 155.7Km
Moving away from the coast and into the Pyrenees for the first time, stage 13 presents the race’s sixth summit finish. The peloton could well have been blown apart well before then, though, because the last 100km of the day is peppered with big climbs. It begins with the truly mammoth especial-category ascent to Port de Envalira, which eventually tops out at 2,408m – the race’s highest point – after a climb that is effectively almost 50km long, but officially listed as 27km, with a maximum gradient of 15 per cent. Riders will get dropped here, and the peloton will be further thinned down on the subsequent category-two duo of Coll de Ordino and Alto de la Comella. The road then drops down before rising back up to the category-one finish on Collada de la Gallina, which is 7.2km long and has a maximum gradient of 15 per cent and an average of eight per cent. The same climb was used as a finish in the 2012 race and provided a thrilling finale won by Alejandro Valverde, who will no doubt have designs on making it two in a row.

Standings after Stage 14 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 1904pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1784pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1418pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 994pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12014pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 10207pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6851pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1784pts

Stage 15: Sunday, September 8 – Andorra to Peyragudes, 224.9km
Staying in the Pyrenees, the race heads west on a long, mountainous route from Andorra into Tour de France country for a summit finish – the seventh - at the Peyragudes ski station. The stage includes four category-one climbs – Coll de Canto (after 31.4km), Port de la Bonaigua (101km), Coll de Port de Bale (200km) and to Peyragudes (226.4km) via the Col de Peyresourde – which will make for a severely taxing day in the saddle. Should strong enough climbers low down on the GC get in the breakaway, they will have a good chance of staying away and stealing a stage win. Sprinters and the weak will be dropped early, but the rest of the peloton should stay together over the long first two climbs, with preliminary attacks starting on the subsequent Port de Bale. The real moves will be saved for the Peyresourde, though, which reaches a maximum gradient of 13 per cent and is followed by a short descent and then a final rise to the finish.

Standings after Stage 15 of the Vuelta
1) Cissy Fairfax :BRECHIN WIND 2101pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 1952pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1588pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 1042pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12211pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 10377pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6899pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 1952pts

Stage 16: Monday, September 16 – Graus to Sallent de Gallego (Aramon Formigal), 146.8km
The final outing before the second rest day throws up a punishing third consecutive summit finish, albeit at the end of a slightly shorter stage. The climbing starts after 20km with the category-three ascent to Puerto de la Foradada, which summits after 29km, and continues after a short descent with the long road up to the category-two Puerto de Cotefablo, after 100km. Following a 14km descent down into the valley, the road rears back up for a stepped, 30km climb to the finish line. However, with short flats and downhills punctuating the ascent, the category-one climb to Aramon Formigal officially starts 15.8km out. The big names are likely to start launching their attacks around 9km out, where a maximum ramp of 9.5 per cent provides an ideal launchpad.

Standings after Stage 16 of the Vuelta
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 2177pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 2021pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1646pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 1077pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12287pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 10435pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6934pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2021pts

Stage 17: Wednesday, September 11 – Calahorra to Burgos, 189km
The GC riders will step aside on the first day back after the rest day and allow the battle between the sprinters and breakaway to resume. A largely uphill first half of the day and two category-three climbs at two-thirds distance place the advantage in the hands of the escapees, but legs will be severely tired by at this stage of the race and the cumulative strength of the peloton may prove overwhelming. There is 50km of largely gentle downhill to the finish – plenty for a charging sprint teams to catch escapees and set up a bunch finish.

Standings after Stage 17 of the Vuelta
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 2331pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 2175pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1762pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 1101pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12441pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 10551pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 6958pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2175pts

Stage 18: Thursday, September 12 – Burgos to Pena Cabarga, 186.5km
A rolling day, ending with the race’s ninth summit finish, offers a breakaway a decent chance of staying away for victory. There are five categorised climbs in total, but the first four – three category threes and one category two – don’t appear demanding enough to facilitate attacks in the peloton. A 34km downhill section leading up to the final climb with give the escapees chance to consolidate their advantage before the 5.9km, category-one ascent to Alto de Pena Cabarga. In the pack, the best descenders may look to attack on the downhill to open up a lead ahead of the steep climb, which averages 9.2 per cent in gradient and has a maximum of 20 per cent.

Standings after Stage 18 of the Vuelta
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 2455pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 2286pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 1880pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 1145pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12565pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 10669pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 7002pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2286pts

Stage 13: Friday, September 6 – Valls to Castelldefels, 169km
This day ends with more than 45km of downhill and flat to the finish, but the chances of a sprint finish are limited courtesy of the category-one climb to Alto del Rat Penat, which averages 10.6 per cent in gradient over its 4.3km course and rears up to a maximum of 16 per cent, which will almost certainly see the fast men dropped. A breakaway has a chance of staying away, but the more likely outcome is a second escape forming out of attacks on the climb and then its members battling out a reduced-bunch sprint. One other complication is the wind, which will once again be blowing hard and threatening echelons in the peloton and splits. This has the makings of a compelling day.

Stage 1 of the Tour of Britain is now ready to predict.

Stage 1: Sunday, September 15 – Peebles to Drumlanrig Castle, 208.6km
The race starts in the Scottish Borders and takes the riders on an undulating route ending in Dumfries and Galloway. The day includes three climbs, the first of which, the category-three Black Castle Hill, comes just 38.5km into the race and is sure to sting the legs over its 3.7km distance.

An intermediate sprint is then followed by the category-two ascent of Lime Kiln Edge, which is the day’s shortest but toughest test at 3.2km long. The route then rolls downhill and flattens out for the best part of 90km, before rising up out of Dumfires to the category-three, 3.9km climb to Dunscore. From there, more undulating road takes the riders on to two laps of a finishing circuit ending with the uncategorised climb to Drumlanrig Castle. Although not overly difficult, it should prove too feisty for the sprinters and instead see a punchy climber take the victory.

Standings after Stage 20 of the Vuelta
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 2776pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 2625pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 2231pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 1276pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12886pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 11020pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 7133pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2625pts

Stage 21: Sunday, September 15 – Leganes to Madrid, 109.6km
The final stage into Madrid is a largely processional day ending in nine laps of a 5.7km circuit around the city centre and a bunch sprint. There are also two intermediate sprints – at 64km and 92.5km – meaning the race for the points classification’s green jersey will go right to the wire.

Final Standings of the Vuelta a Espana
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 2918pts
2)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 2739pts
3)dean michael : dean michael 2367pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 1296
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
5)fluffed fluffed up : 0pts

Well done Cissy Fairfax on your Grand Tour win

Standings after Stage 1 of the Tour of Britain
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 106pts
2)dean michael : dean michael 76pts
3)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 70pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 0pts
4)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
4)fluffed : fluffed up 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 12992pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 11096pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 7133pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2695pts

Stage 2: Monday, September 16 - Carlisle to Kendal, 186.6km
The race crosses the border into England for another hilly day containing three categorised climbs and what is sure to be the sternest test of the whole race: the infamous Honister Pass.

The stage rolls out of Carlisle and heads south towards the coast for an opening 80km that rumbles along relatively gently. However, it then turns inland towards the Lake District and, after the day’s third intermediate sprint, the climbing begins. First up is the category-two Fangs Brow, which is 1.2km long and arrives after 97.9km, and is soon followed by the category-one Honister. Amateur riders will be familiar with this brute of a climb, which is 2.2km long and carries vicious ramps of up to 25 per cent.

An ascent of the category-two Chestnut Hill follows at the 136km mark, before the road rolls towards the finish line in Kendal. There is a sting in the tail, though, because after a 90-degree right-hander in the centre of town, the riders must climb up the wonderfully named Beast Banks, which lives up to its name by hitting the riders with a short, sharp climb to the finish line.

Congrats dean on winning overall comp(Vuelta a España) on PG

Cheers mate

Standings after Stage 2 of the Tour of Britain
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 219pts
2)dean michael : dean michael 169pts
3)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 142pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 0pts
4)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
4)fluffed : fluffed up 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 13247pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 11325pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 7153pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2881pts

Stage 3: Tuesday, September 17 - Knowsley to Knowsley, 16km individual time trial
The time trial experts come to the fore on day three for a short but technical race against the clock around Knowsley Safari Park. The route is not pan flat but isn’t overly hilly either, so the winner will be the man who can output the highest power on the straight sections and then keep momentum going through the turns. The first half of the course is largely downhill and fast, so should not split the favourites too significantly. However, latter half is gently uphill and ends with a series of tight corners just before the finish line, and it is here where the day’s winners and losers will be decided.

Standings after Stage 3 of the Tour of Britain
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 308pts
2)dean michael : dean michael 288pts
3)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 210pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 0pts
4)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
4)fluffed : fluffed up 0pts


Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 13336pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 11444pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 7153pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2949pts

Stage 4: Wednesday, September 18 – Stoke-on-Trent to Llanberis, 188.4km
Day four and already country No 3. The stage starts in the Potteries and then heads west into Wales, cresting three categorised climbs before reaching a stunning finale in the shadow of Snowdon. The opening 90km roll relatively gently and take in the first intermediate sprint, but following the feed zone, which comes after 93km, an uncategorised ascent kicks off the climbing. Two more intermediate sprints follow, before the peloton tackles the back-to-back category-two climbs to Groes and Llansannan, which are 3km and 1.9km long respectively and are separated by a short descent.


Another steep descent follows, before the long drag up to the category three Pen y Pass begins. The climb itself in only 1.6km long, but the road starts angling up towards it 20km before then and legs will be weary by the time the peloton reaches the summit. The day then ends with a straight and high-speed descent into Llanberis.

Standings after Stage 4 of the Tour of Britain
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 391pts
2)dean michael : dean michael 352pts
3)Geoff V. : Senor Stragglers 252pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 0pts
4)Chappers67 : Chappers67 0pts
4)fluffed : fluffed up 0pts

Overall Standings.
1)Cissy Fairfax : BRECHIN WIND 13419pts
2)dean michael : dean michel 11508pts
3)fluffed : fluffed up 8527pts
4)TOON FAN : North East Titans 7153pts
5)Chappers67 : Chappers67 3591pts
6)Geoff V.:Senor Stragglers 2991pts

Stage 5: Thursday, September 19 – Machylleth to Caerphilly, 177.1km
The race stays in Wales for a second day and heads to the south of the country from the bottom edge of Snowdonia to just north of the capital, Cardiff. It’s another lumpy but picturesque stage for the peloton, containing three category-one climbs, one category-three climb and a crossing of the Brecon Beacons.

A series of uncategorised climbs inside the opening 30km will see a breakaway go clear but the first category-one climb, up Cwm Owen, does not arrive until the 79km mark and is set to provide a stern test over its 4.2km distance. The road then rears up to a 6.7km, category-three climb in the Brecon Beacons, before undulating back down towards Caerphilly, where two laps of an 8km finishing circuit – each including an ascent of the category-one Caerphilly Mountain - awaits. The climb is 2.3km long and steep, which will provide the perfect platform for a punchy climber to attack over the summit and then hold on down the speedy descent to the finish.