HUNDREDS of people lined the streets to cheer on the riders of the Colne Grand Prix last night.

Nearly 130 riders brought Colne’s one-way system to a standstill as part of the town’s sixth annual grand prix.

And in a neck-and-neck race the crowds saw Russell Downing pip three-time Olympic medallist Rob Hayles in the elite race.

Russell’s brother Dean made it a family affair to clinch third and Trawden rider Paul Oldham came a respectable 14th.

Unfortunately Barnoldswick rider Ian Wilkinson was unable to defend his 2008 crown, when he pulled out with a knee injury.

Earlier in the night the support race, along the same Market Street and Craddock Road course, was won by Lewis Craven Event organiser Vaughan Jones, from Pendle council, said: “Pendle is really proving itself as a centre for cycling.

“But you don’t have to be Olympic standard to enjoy the sport.

"A series of easy ‘freedom’ rides for families and anyone new to cycling are running over the summer from this Saturday.”

The Tour of Pendle longer-distance event, starting and ending in Nelson town centre, is on Sunday, August 9.