Again sorry for this report - I think it's not of a bad standard though I preferred the first, but more about the lack of detail and background info - I have a very unfoolproof way of reporting which involves taking only the photos I need and writing during the race, so if it's not in the photos and gets deleted it's gone
Some nice weather greets us here in Britain - those words feel weird rolling off the tongue - as the riders below me on the startline prepare for the 6th Lincoln GP. A tough course which should favour the strongest cobblers, especially those who don't mind a hill. The two big narratives here are whether we will see a surprise winner as in a few classics this season - and will we see a triumph of Burghardt after so much dissapointment so far. The German is the big favourite here - but we've said that about a lot of races so far. Otherwise look for Wisniowski or Daniel as the next most likely candidates.
The breakaway is quickly formed with just three riders, who shouldn't be a threat to steal the win after the disaster of Viano a couple of months ago where an eleven man escape got free. They are Owen, Page and Velits.
Some riders in difficulty from the early pace but the likes of Polanc, Altur and Vanbilsen find shelter a few rows back as Isostar and Podium Ambition set the early pace.
The breakaway is being kept on a tight leash as those two teams continue to bear the brunt of the pacemaking. Newton have a rider or two in the line as well, whilst Orange conglomerate near the front but don't help out.
Podium Ambition really heating things up now as we haven't seen any long-range attacks so far. Does Burghardt or even Thomas have something planned?
An attack over the hill on the third-to-last lap by Kamyshev! Or is it just a leg-tester? We shall see, there's nobody directly on his wheel but many riders are following the increased pace of Altur who is leading the favourites group.
A selection now clear down the sealed side of the hill with many big names, but not including Daniel, Teunissen or Nolf! Kamyshev is brought back to that front group. It seems to include: Burghardt, Thomas, Matthews Altur, Tsatevich Wisniowski Kamyshev Polanc and Theuns.
Now with just 200m until the penultimate climb, it's Jan Polanc on the aggressive!
The Slovenian enjoys the hills more than quite a few of his competitors and is looking strong on the hill. The group behind is again lead by the young Spaniard Altur, meanwhile some members of the group behind, including Vanbilsen and Daniel, have caught up. However riders such as Thomas, Nolf and Teunissen are further back now, leaving Burghardt, Breschel and Theuns as their team's largest hopes. We can also see the break up ahead about to be caught after a valiant day out.
Altur actually leading the pack with such raw strength that he gets the gap and sets out solo in pursuit of Polanc, who is going down the hill very fast as he looks to put time into the larger pack.
Owen now straight into leading the pack as the break is caught.
10km to go as Polanc and Altur have found each other. Owen still doing the job for Burghardt from the break alongside Wisniowski!
Owen is really tiring now as we see splits in the group! Burghardt takes the reins and takes Kamyshev, Rowe and Wisniowski with him! Behind, the American is finally done after a long day whilst Theuns, Breschel and Vanbilsen lead the chase.
We see here the gaps are still quite small with over 5km until the final climb and still many domestiques left if the six ahead are caught - particularly Tsatevitch is useful for Altur in a hill-cobble-sprint, or even for himself!
Indeed that trio now goes clear in pursuit of the four up ahead. Or make that six, as Polanc and Altur's escapade is done...
But when something ends it's time for another thing to begin! Polanc with a ripsnorter of an attack under the 5km to go banner. He must be tired now but he isn't looking it as Altur begins the chase again. Surely the Spaniard won't have much left to give, he's been chasing since the first Kamyshev move!
In the background, Vanbilsen has left behind his companions and is trying to bridge to the chasers!
He's made it too but maybe too late! Wisniowski sees the raw strength of the young Slovenian and senses the need to attack! Kamyshev tries to follow whilst Rowe sits in behind the new arrival, taking advantage of his teammate's move.
Daniel now is looking to salvage something from this race, he's joined by Tsatevich. Also Teunissen on the warpath hunting for a possible top 10 after a disastrous time so far today.
Just five riders left in that dropped group now though, less than with the chasers. None of them with much interest in chasing, Page has been in the breakaway and just looking to hang on for a result, the others all with teammates in the favourite's group or even ahead for Giaux. His leader, Polan has a slim 12 second lead with 1 kilometre to go!
Tsatevich a willing participant in the chase with Daniel as they catch Breschel and Theuns, who were stuck in no man's land without a hope of catching the group ahead. They could catch Rowe, though, who's been dropped. Meanwhile, Wisniowski finally clawing a gap open!
Flamme rouge for Polanc, who's still putting in some huge power to stay ahead of the flying Pole behind him. The crowd, devoid of a "home" favourite with Thomas underperforming, roar on the daring soloist!
He starts the climb now, just 800m left for the Isostar man. But Wisniowski is fast, very fast as he too turns the corner onto the final climb. Kamyshev tiring a bit as Burghardt and Vanbilsen also open up their attacks. Altur being left behind too after a hard day chasing down moves, to the advantage of the other favourites.
Wisniowski mere metres behind Polanc now, not so much a lion stalking his prey as he is a cheetah sprinting after it!
Kamyshev actually with some fight left as these three go into the battle for third (or even second if one of the two ahead cracks). Vanbilsen looks blocked a bit and maybe without the energy for an 800m sprint uphill after his solo chase!
Polanc actually holding his gap as we reach the final corner, with Wisniowski having to take the outside lane. The Pole looks to have more in the tank left than the Slovenian though. The noise tunnel echoes through the ears of both of these two, each desperately giving every last drop of energy, blood and sweat towards the line!
Behind news that a struggling Altur has been caught by the four riders chasing!
Polanc now starts to celebrate early, as Wisniowski takes it up a notch! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...
Oh dear that was close! But it's a win by mere inches for Polanc! He didn't make it easy for himself there, but the replays will look cool as Wisniowski just can't make it! A solo win in fine style for Jan Polanc after animating the race. Chapeau! Wisniowski has to be commiserated and congratulated, second after a supreme show of strength first bringing back Polanc's first move then almost chasing it down.
Burghardt limps to third, Kamyshev is fourth, Vanbilsen is fifth. The latter with an average race but the German again failing to win from a good situation!
Tsatevich comes around his teammate to earn a surprising sixth, with Theuns making up for Teunissen's disappointment with a well-earned seventh. Altur in eighth also provides some depth points for PCT leaders Newton, although he should have gotten more. Breschel also makes up a bit for the failings of his leader Nolf, whilst Daniel will be dearly dissapointed to only round out the top 10, and not lead it in.
