Rochdale Grand Prix makes a popular return

Cyclists reach the top of the steep climb up Penn Street

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On Wednesday 5 July, large numbers of cycling fans were once again attracted to Rochdale. Following the success of last year’s event, the Rochdale Grand Prix cycle race returned to the streets of the town centre, where hundreds gathered to watch some of the nation’s top bike riders speed around Rochdale at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Last year’s winner of the elite race Chris Newton certainly enjoys the Rochdale circuit as he made it two in a row by claiming the Rochdale Grand Prix title once more. Newton made an early break from the main field alongside Russell Downing and it soon became clear that the two had extended such a lead in the hour long race that they would not be caught by the large group behind.

Going into the final lap the two were still together, with the pack some 50 seconds behind. Newton upped the tempo at the last and Downing did not have the legs to stick with him, leaving Newton to claim victory on his own. Downing swept onto the finish on South Parade ten seconds behind to finish second, leaving a sprint finish for a member of the main bunch to claim third place, which was won by Simon Gaywood.

Gaywood said on the podium after the race: “Chris [Newton] was going too strong for us so we just had to get someone from our team on the podium and thanks to my team mates I managed to get third.”

Downing said: “Chris was too strong for me on the final climb. There have been floods round my way so I haven’t been able to get on the bike this week so it was good to finish second.”

Race winner Chris Newton said it was a good feeling to entertain the crowds on a course that he clearly enjoys and to claim a successive race win.

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, whilst 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.

Unlike last year the rain stayed away and there were no accidents out on the course and the sun even managed to break through the clouds by the time the elite riders took to the road.

Earlier there had been a light drizzle for the Support Race for Class three and four riders but the riders were able to cope with the damp conditions on the track. As in the elite race after it, there was a break from the main field in the support race but it proved to be unsuccessful. Thomas Wood had opened up a twelve second lead, but that was cut to six by the time the final lap began and he was soon swallowed up by the main field to make for an exciting sprint finish. John Murphy snatched the victory with Graeme Goulding and Dave Haygarth finishing a close second and third respectively.

The cycling began at 6pm with the ‘Go-Ride Junior Event’, where teams from local primary schools completed a bike riding obstacle course, which involved weaving in and out of cones and ducking under low bars. Teams from St John’s, Woodland, St Edward’s, Sandbrook, Shawclough and Little Heaton Primary Schools all took part, with St Edward’s beating Woodland in the final.

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