Three Peaks (cyclo cross race)
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Begun in 1961 the Three Peaks is a cyclo-cross race held over the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent, in Yorkshire, England.
It is not to be confused with the, older, Three Peaks fell race of the same name.
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[edit] History
Organised by Bradford Racing Cycling Club and held annually on the last weekend of September the Three Peaks bills itself as the hardest cyclo cross race in the world. While other races may have comparable or even greater distances and height gain - Whernside, the tallest of the Peaks only reaches 736 metres - it is the fearsome combination of gradient, terrain and weather that give the Three Peaks it's reputation.
The race began in 1961. There were no female competitors until 1979.
There was no race in 2001 due to foot & mouth disease.
[edit] Course Changes
The original course length was 40 kilometres. In 1980 there was a new course and the race distance increased to 47 km. In 1982 and 1983 the course changed again and the race distance increased to 50 km and then 57 km respectively. The most recent course change was in 1994, and the race distance increased again, to 61 km.
The current course starts at Helwith Bridge 3km south of Horton-in-Ribblesdale and the riders tackle the peaks in the order Ingleborough then Whernside and finally Penyghent.
[edit] Rules
Despite a brief period during the 1980s and early 1990 when mountain bikes were allowed currently only cyclo cross bicycles are allowed.
Because the race takes place on footpaths and private land cycling the course at any other time of year is not allowed. This makes practice impossible.
[edit] Awards
Total Prize Money: £5,000+
Riders are awarded certificates based on their time around the course.
- Elite - under 3 hours 30 minutes
- 1st class - under 4 hours
- 2nd class - under 5 hours
- merit - all other finishers
[edit] List of Overall Winners
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The factual accuracy of this article is disputed. Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page. |
| Year | Male Winner | Female Winner | Winning Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | John Rawnsley  United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1962 | Harry Bond United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1963 | Ian Craig United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1964 | Harry Bond United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1965 | John Bell United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1966 | Harry Bond United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1967 | Harry Bond United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1968 | Tom McDonald United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1969 | John Atkins United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1970 | John Atkins United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1971 | Eric Stone United Kingdom |
- | Keighley St. Christopher C.C.C. |
| 1972 | Chris Wilkinson United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1973 | Barry Davies United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1974 | Barry Davies United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1975 | Barry Davies United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1976 | John Atkins United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1977 | Eric Stone United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1978 | Eric Stone United Kingdom |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1979 | Eric Stone United Kingdom |
Brenda Atkinson United Kingdom |
Ron Kitching/Sun Tour |
| 1980 | John North United Kingdom |
Susan Hoare United Kingdom |
Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1981 | Arthur Manz  Switzerland |
- | Bronte Wheelers/McManus & Poole |
| 1982 | Eric Stone United Kingdom |
Susan Hoare United Kingdom |
Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1983 | Richard Bates United Kingdom |
- | Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1984 | Tim Gould United Kingdom |
- | Norton Wheelers |
| 1985 | Tim Gould United Kingdom |
Christine Walker United Kingdom |
Chesterfield Coureurs/Ness |
| 1986 | Tim Gould United Kingdom |
Janet Sanger United Kingdom |
Chesterfield Coureurs/Ness |
| 1987 | Tim Gould United Kingdom |
- | Ace R.T./Peugeot |
| 1988 | Tim Gould United Kingdom |
Emma Wood United Kingdom |
Ace R.T./Peugeot |
| 1989 | Tim Gould United Kingdom |
Melanie Grivell United Kingdom |
Bradford Racing Cycling Club |
| 1990 | Fred Salmon United Kingdom |
Melanie Grivell United Kingdom |
Ace R.T./Peugeot |
| 1991 | Nick Craig United Kingdom |
Isla Rowntree United Kingdom |
Helwith Bridge Alers |
| 1992 | Fred Salmon United Kingdom |
- | Helwith Bridge Alers |
| 1993 | Fred Salmon United Kingdom |
Alison Garside United Kingdom |
Helwith Bridge Alers |
| 1994 | Chris Young United Kingdom |
Alison Garside United Kingdom |
Ace R.T./Peugeot, Helwith Bridge Alers |
| 1995 | Andy Peace United Kingdom |
Jacqui Foster United Kingdom |
Bradford Olympic R.C/Paul Milnes/Lusso, Helwith Bridge Alers |
| 1996 | Andy Peace United Kingdom |
Ruth Gamwell United Kingdom |
Helwith Bridge Alers |
| 1997 | Chris Young United Kingdom |
Mari Todd United Kingdom |
Pace Racing/Pace Satellite TV |
| 1998 | Chris Young United Kingdom |
Sue Thomas United Kingdom |
Team Marie Curie/Pace Satellite TV |
| 1999 | Ian Cuthbertson United Kingdom |
Kali Exley United Kingdom |
Team Marie Curie/Pace Satellite TV |
| 2000 | Rob Jebb United Kingdom |
Sue Thomas United Kingdom |
Helly Hansen - Giant - MBI |
| 2001 | No race - foot & mouth disease in the area | ||
| 2002 | Rob Jebb United Kingdom |
Louise Robinson United Kingdom |
Science in Sport.com |
| 2003 | Rob Jebb United Kingdom |
Louise Robinson United Kingdom |
Wheelbase/Ron Hill |
| 2004 | Rob Jebb United Kingdom |
Louise Robinson United Kingdom |
Wheelbase/Ron Hill |
| 2005 | Rob Jebb United Kingdom |
Louise Robinson United Kingdom |
Wheelbase/Ron Hill |
| 2006 | Rob Jebb United Kingdom |
Isla Rowntree United Kingdom |
Scott UK |
