Evan Oliphnat eyes Ryedale Grand Prix boost

Evan Oliphant will go into tomorrow's Ryedale Grand Prix in Yorkshire in positive mood after posting a top-ten finish on his latest outing.

Evan Oliphant

The 34-year-old Lothians cyclist produced a fine effort in support of his Team Raleigh-GAC colleague Albert Torres at Wednesday’s Skipton Pro Criterium, also in Yorkshire. The Spaniard – a former world championship medallist on the track – eventually crossed the line in fourth spot, with Oliphant taking tenth place.

The seven-times Scottish Road Race champion will line up for tomorrow’s race over a tough 93-mile route which starts and finishes at Ampleforth Abbey, looking to perform well enough to further his claims for a place in the Raleigh squad to compete in September’s Tour of Britain.

Oliphant has performed well at Ryedale in previous seasons, having posted a string of high placings including an impressive victory in 2006 and second place in 2011. Lining up alongside him in the eight-strong Raleigh squad which features in a 120-man field will be his fellow Scots Fraser Martin and Craig Wallace.