The Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive
23 June 2025
The Lincoln Grand Prix itself has a long and rich history, dating back to 1956, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious one-day road races in the UK.
The Sportive was established later as a way for amateur cyclists to be part of this significant cycling weekend and experience some of the same challenging terrain as the professionals. The inclusion of the Michaelgate climb in the Sportive route adds a unique element and connects the amateur event directly to the heritage of the Grand Prix race.
This year’s event was held on Saturday, May 10th marks 51 years since Mike joined the Army, almost to the day! At the age of 68, those five decades participating in the Army Ski Team, Football, Rugby, Commando duties, and finally Reining at a World Class level - have taken their toll on Mikes body. With a knee replacement booked in for June 12th, he was advised to get fit to make a faster recovery. So 3 months ago Mike set himself the challenge of completing in The Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive a 46 mile bike race with a killer hill at the end! His first challenge was to buy a bike, the second was to raise funds so he set-up a just giving page. Finally, not happy with simply completing the race, he wanted a top 10 finish.
Riding for the Motor Neuron Disease charity (MND).
"I thought it would be a good way to say goodbye to the old knee by trying to raise awareness and hopefully the odd donation for charity. I rode for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (Motor Neuron Disease) and hoped to achieve a top ten finish, a bit ambitious for a OAP with one good leg, and a finish which is a very, very steep hill!
With 102 riders at the starting line-up, the pressure was on. During the race I burned 1840 calories according to my heart monitor. The hill was every bit the killer finish I had anticipated, but I managed an average speed of 18mph and I came 14th out of 101 riders who finished. First place finished in 2 hours 15 minutes and 40 seconds, I finished in 2 hours 33 minutes and 58 seconds - the last person to cross the line finished in 5 hours 3 minutes. On the positive side I came first in the over 67 age category! So far I've raised raise over £1000.00 for the My Name’5 Doddie Charity. So a huge thank you for those who have already given via the Just Giving page and to those who have since pledged to donate."
Mike Adams MBE - RISK Founder & Managing Director
