Olympic medallist makes it four in a row in Rochdale

Photo: Jan Harwood

Rochdale Grand Prix 2009

26 More Image(s) In Gallery

The cycling grand prix made its return to the streets of Rochdale town centre yesterday evening (Wednesday 1 July) and the fourth annual event was another success, with cycling fans lining the route as they have done in previous years.

The public enjoyed watching some of the country’s top bike riders in sweltering heat, and Beijing Olympic silver medallist Chris Newton, who lives in Oldham, claimed victory in the elite race for the fourth time in as many years.

Rochdale’s Mayor, Councillor Keith Swift, waved the flag to start the racing and he took to the podium to present the winners with their champagne, flowers, winners cheques and trophies. He said after the event: “It’s been a very successful evening for Rochdale and all those that have attended have seen some thrilling cycling and really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the event next year and the town can be proud to host it.”

Newton was joined by his team mate Christian House in a break away midway through the race and the two extended their lead as the hour long race came to the closing stages. It came down to a sprint finish and Newton won the title, with House improving on his third place finish last year.

Spectators lined the 1.2 km course throughout, with the most popular spot being on the Butts, with the start/finish line nearby and the Link4Life tent nearby providing cycling and health based activities for people to enjoy.

Race commentary was provided over loud speakers so that the crowd knew everything about the riders and what was happening in the races.

From the start on South Parade the elite riders raced along Baillie Street then up the steep short climb of Penn Street, down and off Yorkshire Street, along Hunters Lane before reaching maximum speed down St Mary’s Gate and turning the sharp corner onto Newgate.

Earlier the Support Race for Class three and four riders was won by loan breakaway rider Lewis Craven, who is a partner in Craven & Murray Opticians in Norden. Mark Davies and Tony Parkinson finished a close second and third respectively in the bunch sprint that followed Craven over the line.