Champion cyclists battle rain in Blackburn Grand Prix (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Champion cyclists battle rain in Blackburn Grand Prix

9:33am Thursday 22nd July 2010

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By Neil Docking » Health reporter

OLYMPIC medallists and national champions were among those competing for pole position at breakneck speeds around Blackburn town centre last night.

Despite bad weather the Cycling Grand Prix, a multi-lap race lasting around an hour, was watched by excited spectators.

Now in its third year, it is one of the most prestigious cycling events in the country.

And bike handling skills were at a premium as the riders jostled for position on a narrow circuit flanked by supporting fans.

Ed Clancy, who won gold for Great Britain on the track in at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the team pursuit, took first place last night in a race that was held around a circuit of Blackburn town centre, with riders completing laps in less than a minute.

Graham Briggs took second place and the top three spots were all taken by Yorkshiremen as Dean Downing finished third.

The race was part of a national series, which Barnoldswick rider Ian Wilkinson led going into the race.

Olympians Chris Newton and Colne’s Steven Burke were also competing, along with fellow track star Lizzie Armitstead.

Ivor Armstrong, co-founder of the event and secretary of Cycling Development North West, said the competitors had needed to deal with difficult wet conditions due to the heavy rain.

He said: “The course didn't really dry out until about half way through the first support race.

“The paving around the town was very slippy so there were a couple of riders that fell off.

“I also had to have a piece of chalk to remark the finishing line!”

Councillor Trevor Maxfield, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for leisure and culture, said hosting the race was “a coup” for the town.

He said: “It's great to see the local kids getting involved as well.

“It's a different track this year and there is more for people to do with fairground rides where the track used to be.”

Nick Armistead, 25, from Otley, the brother of world champion cyclist Lizzie Armistead, came 10th in the support race.

He said: “I wanted to take part here because it was an elite circuit.

“I've been cycling just over a year. That was my best result to date.”