Rapha has stepped in to save the Lincoln Grand Prix, coming on board as the new title sponsor for the next two years. In January it was revealed that the historic one-day race was under threat of disappearing from the National Elite Series calendar due to a lack of sponsorship funds.
With £20,000 being the figure needed to guarantee the race's future, British clothing brand Rapha decided to step in as headline sponsor.
Going forward the men's and women's races will be known as the 'Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix'. Rapha will also produce custom Lincoln Grand Prix merchandise to be sold alongside the event as an alternative revenue stream.
Race organiser Dan Ellmore was understandably delighted when Rapha decided to help save the race and hopes the partnership will continue beyond two years.
'The Lincoln Grand Prix team are excited to be working with Rapha for the 2020 and 2021 events and to help develop a more sustainable approach to the race to ensure we can continue adding to the history of the event for many years to come,' said Ellmore.
'Having a brand such as Rapha recognise the importance of the event and get behind us to keep it running is a fantastic position to be in and we’re really looking forward to working with them.'
The Lincoln Grand Prix is one of the oldest races in the UK with the men's event having run continuously since 1956 and in 2015 a women's race was introduced to coincide with the British National Championships.
On that occasion, Peter Kennaugh and Lizzie Deignan won their respective races.
In previous years, notable riders have notched the Lincoln GP onto their palmares including Scott Thwaites, Malcolm Elliot and Alice Barnes.
'I have had some amazing memories racing the Lincoln GP. It is such an iconic race, with amazing crowds as you’re racing up the Michaelgate cobbled climb,' said Barnes.
'It is the biggest British race on the national calendar and I’m so glad the race is going ahead thanks to Rapha!'