Harry Tanfield has warned his team-mates not to expect a moment’s peace in the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix on Sunday (midday).
The 22-year-old lives in Great Ayton, just five miles from the Guisborough headquarters of the HSBC UK Spring Cup curtain-raiser.
Hosted by Velo29 Cycling Events, the 95-mile battle is new to the calendar but Tanfield knows every inch of the road.
And while the former JLT Condor and Pedal Heaven man is relishing a home race, he reckons it will not be for the faint-hearted. Tanfield said:
“It is literally five miles from my house and I can’t wait for it. I just wish I was couple of kilos lighter, that’s all. I should have gone on a crash diet!
“It is so hilly. There is no flat on the course except for the finish. It is just up, down, up, down, up, down all day.
“It is suited to a lean version of myself, I reckon! It is going to be hard all day. It will be a really hard race.
“If I can make it through the first hour, when everyone is fresh and going for it up the climbs, I’ll be sound. And if I can make it to the finish with a group, I’ll be loving it.”
Tanfield will line-up alongside Chris Opie, Dexter Gardias, Sam Lowe, James Lowsley-Williams, Rob Partridge, Jack Pullar and Max Stedman for BIKE Channel Canyon on Sunday.
He knows sports director Tim Elverson will want to be aggressive and insists he would relish the chance to get up the road. Tanfield added:
“I’d like to think I can go well. If I’m in a break, then I’m controlling my own pace. And I’d enjoy that kind of role in a race like this.
“It just depends how Tim wants to race it but knowing him, he will want to be aggressive and he will want us represented in all the moves.
“I’d love to be able to dictate my own pace in a breakaway. I’m 80kg. I don’t want lads of 60kg dictating to me up the climbs.
“But I did the highest power I have ever done in the time trial win in Scotland a couple of weeks ago, so I feel strong. I can’t wait to race.”
Click here to read Jack Pullar’s thoughts on the race. To find out more about the Spring Cup and it’s opening round, visit British Cycling.
