YOUNG riders were given their own lap of honour ahead of a landmark night for cycling in East Lancashire.

Junior competitors from Cycle Sport Pendle took part in a parade lap before the Colne Grand Prix, which provided the finale of the national cycling circuit series for the first time.

MORE TOP STORIES:

And a youth race preceded the main event, which boasted former winner Graham Briggs and past world track champs Morgan Kneisky and Albert Torres, alongside scratch legend Sebastian Moro.

Those dreaming of emulating Sir Bradley Wiggins and Tour de France winner Chris Froome were given a timely taste of the Colne course’s ‘swinging’ corners.

Cllr Sarah Cockburn-Price, chairman of hosts Colne Town Council, said: “We are very proud to be picked by British Cycling to host the final for the first time.”

Supporters of the proposed BMX pump track, at the Steven Burke Sports Hub, were out in force to promote their ambitious venture.

Steven himself will be heading out to the Rio Olympics as part of the team pursuit.

One figure missed by many though at the gathering was Billy Dixon, aka Billy Bantam, who took part in Chopper jousts in previous years. A keen cycling enthusiast, he died earlier this year.

Dave Traynor, 36, from Colne, who attends every Grand Prix, said: “It’s one of the highlights of my year and it’s nice to see the kids getting a go.”

Gavin Sparkes, a BAE fireman at Barrow, attending with three-year-old daughter Lilia, said: “We go to one or two races. But this is our nearest and we always enjoy it. I know they nearly lost it this year and that would have been a real shame.”