THE Tour de France is the ultimate test of a cyclist's ability, character and endurance.

But the Thwaites Grand Prix, which starts in Manchester in nine days' time and ends in Blackburn four days later, is fast becoming the British equivalent.

Extended this year from four days to five, the seven-stage event has attracted more than 100 top riders.

Heading the field will be last year's winner, Chris Lillywhite, who shares with Olympic champion Chris Boardman the distinction of being the only man to win the Lancashire Tour twice.

While Boardman has gone on to taste international fame and fortune, Lillywhite is only just reaching the fringe of Olympic selection.

He believes that an unprecedented third triumph in this race will increase his chances of an appearance in Atlanta.

"This year is Olympic year and every little helps," said the 29-year-old Londoner who first won the Tour in 1989 and is this year sponsored by Accrington-based Karrimor.

"I've prepared well for this race.

"I've just competed in a 10-day race in Germany and a six-day event in France in the space of three weeks.

"That type of intensity is what you need to get into top form for a race like this.

"Unquestionably, it is one of the strongest first-class fields in the country.

"Mark Walsham and John Tanner are going very well and they could be two to look out for."

Dave Williams, already a Thwaites Grand Prix stage winner, is currently in the best form of his career and a major contender for honours.

Over Easter he took the prestigious Girvan three-day and, on the roads, is in his element.

"Our Team Ambrosia is the only one that will be riding as a team," said 30-year-old Williams from Southport.

"And that's important for it doesn't take as much out of you if you're basically on your own.

"Any of the six riders in our team are capable of winning."

But they face stiff competition from overseas. A six-man team from Trnava in Slovakia, sponsored by their General Credit Bank, are expected to feature prominently.

Holland are represented by the Mitsubishi-sponsored De Hoeske Renners squad, whose six riders bring with them a four-man professional back-up.

Tommy Post, who leads the six men chosen to represent the 20-strong Dutch team in Britain, won 14 races in Holland last year.

Perry Bothof won six and Rob Sienders five. Between them, they achieved a total of 55 places on the podium.

But not all foreign entries have been particularly serious about winning.

A French club team, who had underestimated the race and experienced a hard time on the Pennine hills, once took a lot of persuading to leave their hotel to face the final stage!

Ed Nicoll, from Clayton-le-Woods near Chorley, is used to gruelling events.

"I've come from cross country skiing in which I was national champ four times and represented Britain in the Calgary Olympics in 1988," he explained.

"Looking at the standard of guys here I don't know what I've let myself in for.

"I'd like to get some results in the mountains - they're local hills for me and that's a good advantage.

"I feel they're the stages that will suit me more."

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