Mark Lovatt the Provision-PowerBar rider currently overall
leader of the premier calendar series produced a majestic performance to become the
first ever rider to win three consecutive Tour of the Peaks , thereby securing
his overall victory in the season long premier calendar series.



Despite a strong International field including teams from Sweden , Belgium , Ireland
, Scotland and Wales Lovatt produced one of his best ever rides to take a glorious
victory – in the process earning the label "one man peleton "from team
mate and reigning National Champion John Tanner.



Lovatt was in no mood to wait for the race to unfold and using his customary "the
best way to defend is to attack "tactics he was the first to go. Quickly joined
by last years runner up Irishman David O Loughlin the two worked well together and
that was the last the rest of the field were to see of them.



After ninety miles of tough riding including two ascents of the Snake Pass the two
riders the two riders were clear of the bunch and both riding strongly. Over roads
that he knows so well Lovatt gave O Loughlin one of his customary "little tweaks"
and the Irishman was dropped.



Lovatt soloed to the finish in his customary "I’m knackered" style but
everyone present could see this was a classy performance achieved in the customary
blood and guts racing style of the ProVision team.



Lovatt is now the only rider ever to win the classic Tour of the Peak three times
on the trot and his victory clearly places him as the top UK based rider of the
season – even ahead of team mate and twice National champion John Tanner.



With the Commonwealth games coming up next season Lovatt should surely be a live
candidate for selection – in a clearly unfair situation with BCF / WCPU selection
policies are stacked heavily against him. The provision rider is highly unlikely
to be selected – and both Lovatt and his team sponsor Steve Joughin justifiably feel
highly aggrieved by this scenario.



Joughin said after the race "Mark is now showing he is the best rider in the
country and he should be in with a good chance of going to the Commonwealth Games
– but the BCF selection policies are warped and it is highly frustrating that riders
like Mark receive zero support from the federation despite being the countries
best and most consistent one day rider. I hope the federation give all riders the
selection criteria for the games at the start of the year and that therefore the
best riders can take their chance"





TEAM PROVISION