'I looked back and I was clear' – Ollie Wood wins 70th anniversary edition of Lincoln GP

Ollie Wood secured a landmark victory at the 70th edition of the men’s Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix, delivering a memorable win for both the race’s title sponsor and his new Rapha CC team. The Yorkshire rider launched his decisive attack on the final ascent of Michaelgate, overtaking Jack Rootkin-Gray to cross the line seven seconds ahead. Wood, a former track world champion and Olympic silver medallist, described the triumph as a career highlight on the road, adding to his national criterium title. The race saw Wood emerge from a breakaway group of five riders that established itself midway through the event. Despite feeling less than optimal approaching the final climb, he relied on his experience and resilience to push hard to the finish. His late surge proved successful, and he celebrated by lifting the iconic cobble trophy before enjoying a quiet victory meal at home. Rootkin-Gray and Thomas Armstrong rounded out the podium in second and third place respectively. A significant narrative of the day was the return of British cycling veterans Russ and Dean Downing, who competed together at Lincoln for the first time in over ten years. The brothers undertook an intense campaign of grassroots racing to qualify for the event, which holds deep personal significance given their past successes. Although neither finished the race due to mechanical issues and a crash, both expressed pride in their comeback and the contribution they continue to make to the sport. The Lincoln GP once again demonstrated its status as a prestigious and historic event within British cycling, set against the dramatic backdrop of Michaelgate’s steep climb and heritage buildings. Wood’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also reinforces the race’s reputation for thrilling competition and memorable moments. With the Downings’ return adding a nostalgic element, the 70th edition celebrated both the sport’s rich past and its evolving future.