Grand Prix enjoys a successful third year

Photo: Jan Harwood

Rochdale Grand Prix 2008

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The cycling grand prix made its return to the streets of Rochdale town centre this evening (Wednesday 2 July) and the third 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, while children from Shawclough Primary School took part in a cycling skills event before the racing began. The town’s interest did not end there as Steven Walker, from Redwood School, was given the privilege of starting the main race as praise for his efforts in cycling to school every day.

There was also a prize for the fastest rider from Rochdale, which went to Dan Shand.

Rochdale’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Keith Swift, waved the chequered flag to end 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. It was great to see the children taking part at the beginning and hopefully we can expand that side of it next year.”

The similarity with the previous Rochdale grand prix did not end with the continued popularity as Chris Newton, who is in the British cycling team for the upcoming Olympics, won the Elite race for the third time. The Oldham cyclist is certainly a fan of the Rochdale course and he will be hoping to replicate his performance in Beijing later this summer.

Newton was joined by his rival of last year, Russell Downing, 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 by just a couple of inches. Christian House, Newton’s team mate, swept onto the finish on South Parade on his own to claim third place.

Newton said on the podium after the race: “I really wanted to win it again this year and hopefully I can build on this success at the Olympics. I’m working hard and I’m striving for gold medals.”

Spectators lined the 1.2 km course throughout, with the most popular spot being on the Butts, with the start/finish line nearby and cycling and health based activities for them to enjoy, while 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, where hay bales lined the course for the safety of the riders.

Despite black clouds appearing overhead as the racing began, the rain stayed away and blue sky emerged by the time the Elite riders took to the track at 8pm.

Earlier the Support Race for Class three and four riders culminated in an exciting sprint finish from a bunch of seven leading riders. Scott Thwaites, who only signed on to ride in the race just a few minutes before it began, took the victory, with Adam Yates and Chris Sheriffs finished a close second and third respectively.