Has the Tour de France finally solved its long-term drug problem?

Certainly, watching this year’s gruelling 3,000 kilometre marathon you can have some sympathy as to why drugs have been an integral part of this epic race over the past 60 years at least.

The effort that these top cyclists put in over a three week period is unbelievable. Additionally, the glory and financial benefits of winning the world’s top cycling event are enormous.

A mere 39 seconds was the difference in winning or coming second after 92 hours of racing.

Thankfully, more than 40 years since our most famous UK contender, Tom Simpson, died in the Tour when the use of artificial stimulants was rife, there has at last been a change in mentality and that the use of drugs has hopefully finally been eradicated.

Additionally teams such as the recently formed British based Team Sky have started afresh with a new anti-drugs ethic and we can really believe that riders such as Lancashire based Bradley Wiggins are totally drug-free.

Wiggins did not live up to expectations in this year’s event finishing only 24th when a podium finish was expected after his fourth place overall last year.

We will at least have an opportunity of another viewing of Wiggins in action in our area in the Tour of Britain in September.

The first stage will start on Saturday the 11th in Rochdale and head for the finish line on Blackpool Prom via Rossendale, Padiham, Whalley and the wonderful vantage point of the Trough of Bowland.

Duncan Park was the winner of the North Lancashire Road Club 10 mile at Clitheroe with a time of 23 minutes 27 seconds.

The tandem of James Prossor and Gil Craske was second (24-22), David Tomlinson third (25-02) and Gary Sedgwick fourth (25-40).

An interesting first time entry was that of one of Blackburn Rovers’ best ever wingers Stuart Ripley, who beat the 20mph barrier of 30 minutes despite a spill part way round the course.

In the Pendle Forest 10, Rossendale’s Paul Warrener was top rider in 22-30, beating Ian Duckworth (24-04), Steve Singleton (26-34) and Peter Haigh (26-37).

Flooded roads caused the cancellation of the Rossendale 10 mile at Hapton but next Tuesday is the first leg of the Rossendale v North Lancs. Road Club inter-club contest with the second leg the following evening in the North Lancs. event at Clitheroe.

Meanwhile, Burnley’s Jimmy Wright continued his winning ways clocking an excellent 54-29 in the Lancashire Road Club 25 with Warrener fastest Vet in 58-40.