Clay clocks up advantage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JON CLAY helped install Mark Lovatt as race leader in the Travelwise Tour of Lancashire, then in less than an hour yesterday had deposed him.
Clay, seeking a third overall victory in the five-day race, pointed out a discrepancy in times on Saturday's stage to race officials. They re- checked the film of the race finish and, late on Saturday night, Joe Bayfield lost his overall lead to Lovatt.
"I thought it was a bit strange, but I did not protest," Lovatt said. "I could not see how I could be fifth overall as I had finished so far ahead of Bayfield at Chorley."
In yesterday's morning time trial at Cockerham Clay he was fastest by 15 seconds, and 1:09 too fast for Lovatt to reclaim the colours he had worn after winning the Morecambe time-trial four days ago.
His overall advantage of 24 seconds remained intact during a 29.9-miles circuit race here later that was won by Bayfield in a mass finish.
The overnight challenge of Paul Esposti, Saturday's winner at Chorley, vanished with his expulsion from the Tour for discarding his crash helmet during the time-trial. The Welshman's dismissal brought his team manager, Sid Barras, to the brink of withdrawing his squad. "We had a team meeting, and decided to remain, under protest," Barras said. "We are staying out of respect for the work and commitment of the organiser, Gordon Harling, to our sport."
Esposti said he took off the protective helmet, which is compulsory apparel, because the visor was misting over. "I know it was a silly thing to do, but I did it for safety," he said.
But the Tour's chief commissaire, Richard Rowbotham, said: "Under the rules of the race it was the only sanction open to us.
Today's final, and longest, stage will put Clay's lead under severe pressure as the riders trudge through the Pennines before reaching the finish at Manchester Velodrome.
Results, Digest, page 15
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments