Farewell to Dean Downing from the Sheffield Grand Prix

So, it was a fond farewell to Rotherham lad Dean Downing who was bowing out on a fantastic career at the Claremont Sheffield Grand Prix - an event he won last year.

Cyclists head over the cobbles past the Town Hall.

 The winners of the Silver Healthcare Classic:
1 Dieter Droger (Pioneer Scott) 42-09
2 Tom Pidcock (Chevin Cycles) at 21sec
3 Harry Hardcastle (Kirklees CA) at 54sec
Women: Lauren O’Brien (RST Racing Team).

A smiling Dean Downing at the start of the Sheffield Grand Prix.

The rolling start of the Sheffield Grand Prix.

RESULT
1. Kristian House, Rapha Condor JLT
2. Adam Blythe, NFTO
3. Tobyn Horton, Madison Genesis
4. Matt Cronshaw, Velosure Giordana
5. Mike Northey, Madison Genesis
6. Alex Blain, Raleigh
7. Chris Opie, Rapha Condor JLT
8. Dean Downing, NFTO
9. Scott Thwaites, Netapp Endura
10. George Atkins, Raleigh

Katarina Johnson-Thompson out of Commonwealth Games with foot injury

Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Liverpool, coach:Mike Holmes) has withdrawn from England’s Commonwealth Games team for Glasgow under medical advice with a foot injury.  The 21 year old who has been on world-beating form this year was set to take part in the heptathlon at the Games starting next week, but has been advised against participation by the medical support team.

The world number one said:  “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m not going to be able to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I was so looking forward to competing in another home games and this time as one of the favourites.

“The Commonwealths was a key target for me this year and I was feeling so good in my preparation up until this week so this is a real blow. My season so far with a World Indoor medal in the long jump, winning at Gotzis and becoming World number one in heptathlon had really given me the confidence going in to the Games that I could post a big score and hopefully come away with that Gold medal – but sadly it’s just not meant to be.

“All the advice is telling me that I risk long term damage if I compete in a heptathlon in just over a week’s time and I have to take that advice for the sake of my career. I really hope to be able to compete in the long jump at the European Championships next month but it doesn’t take away how gutted I am that I won’t be at the Commonwealths – particularly after all the amazing support I have already received and I know the crowds would have been fantastic after the reception I got in Glasgow at the Diamond League last week. Thanks again to everyone for their ongoing support.”

Visiting the Main Press Centre at the Commonwealth Games

Had a day out to Glasgow yesterday to get the photo accreditation done and dusted for the Commonwealth Games.  After an early start and a long train ride to wet and windy Glasgow (they are keeping the good weather for 23.07-03.08) it was off to the Main Press Centre (MPC) at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) which was eerily quiet.  The photo repair firm Fixation were there and kindly stuck down a little edge of rubber-coated body on my D700 which had worked loose after many years of good service.  Check them out if you ever need gear replacing.

Then a short train ride out to Scotstoun which is hosting the table tennis and squash competitions.    Will be back next weekend to photograph the main matches in the Team competitions.

I've been given bib #844 for the duration, along with a natty rucksack, a water bottle, a Longines pen and a wee dram of whiskey.  The photo accreditation looks good, and gives free transport on buses and trains til the end of the games.  All in, very impressive.

Tour de France 2014: Vincenzo Nibali wins stage two in Yorkshire

Newly crowned Italian champion Vincenzo Nibali attacked late to win stage two of the Tour de France from York to Sheffield. With less than 2km to go, the Astana rider broke clear of a group including Britain's defending champion Chris Froome and double winner Alberto Contador, who came in two seconds back.

Nibali took over the leader's yellow jersey from stage one winner Marcel Kittel, who finished 20 minutes adrift.  All-in it was a fabulous weekend of cycling action in all corners of Yorkshire.

Tour de France 2014: Cavendish crashes as Kittel wins first stage

Germany's Marcel Kittel won the first stage of the 101st Tour de France as Mark Cavendish crashed at the end of the sprint finish in Harrogate.

The following photos were taken on the climb up from Chelker reservoir on the road from Addingham to Skipton.  See more at: www.peverilphoto.com