Cycling: Downing driven on by sibling rivalry

Jun 13 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

DEAN Downing will have an extra incentive to win Sunday’s Beaumont Trophy – to avoid being outdone by his little brother.

The 57-year-old competition is one of the highlights of the Northern Rock Cyclone, which starts in Leazes Park today. The three-day event combines recreational and elite riders but Sunday should command most attention as Downing looks to overhaul his brother Russell, 2007 Beaumont winner, in the Premier Calendar Series.

The trophy was included in last year’s inaugural Cyclone and given Premier Calendar status, making it an important part of the Great Britain selection process. The Rapha Condor rider is second after five of ten series events with 459 points. Pinarello’s Russell has 650, though Dean senses a shift in momentum.

“The last three weeks I’ve been coming into a bit of form, winning three events,” he said. “Russell’s had some bad luck, breaking his wrist but he’ll still be the one to beat. You pedal with your feet, not your wrist, but it will be in the back of his mind.

“At the start of the year I sat down with (Rapha Condor manager) John Herety and decided I’d have a really good crack at winning the Premier Calendar. But anything can happen as I saw last year. I was in a commanding lead with three races to go then crashed in one and broke a spoke in another.”

Downing also rides in today’s Leazes Criterium. “I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “Peter Harrison (the organiser) put on two really good events last year. The road circuit is perfect for the spectators. He’s done well to put it in the town centre and there are fast roads, hard roads and climbs. It’s tough terrain.”

The Beaumont Trophy is run over six laps (three of 22.3 miles, three of 12.9 miles), starting from Stamfordham Village Green at 11.30am and finishing at approximately 4.30pm.

Today sees a host of junior races and a “have a go” competition where novices are encouraged to sample a race. Tomorrow is designed for participants to challenge themselves at different distances, all starting at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park ground.