Motorpoint’s Malcolm Elliott smashed the course record in the Etape du Dales last weekend by completing the 110-mile course in five hours, 43 minutes and 24 seconds.
The evergreen 48 year-old used his new bike for the event, the Pinarello KOBH 60.1, with a frame that was originally designed for the Paris – Roubaix.
Liveried in the black and orange Motorpoint colours, Elliott had intended to ride the bike for the CiCLE Classic last month but unfortunately it didn’t make it to the UK, due to flight disruptions caused by the volcanic ash.
In relatively good weather, 723 riders made their way across the Dales against a strong head wind especially on Tan Hill – known as the highest pub in Britain. Only 661 completed the demanding course.
The race supports the Dave Rayner fund, which was set up in memory of the late rider, who hailed from Shipley. The fund was set up to assist ambitious riders looking to make career out of road racing and has supported among others David Millar (Garmin-Transistions) and Russell Downing (Team Sky) together with Motorpoint’s very own Jonny McEvoy and Pete Williams.
Several Motorpoint riders were in hot pursuit of Elliott including Steven Burke at 5:50:00; Pete Williams at 5:50:09 who both made it under the six hour mark and James Sampson at 6:00:05.
