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Rochdale Grand Prix riders brave treacherous conditions
Reporter: Daryl Thorpe
Date online: 17/08/2006
Rochdale Town Centre played host to the 'Rochdale Grand Prix', a new leg of the British Cycling Elite Circuit Series.
More than 80 cyclists, both local and from across the country competed in two races, along a 1.5km course.
Much of the town centre was closed to traffic for the evening, allowing the racers and the spectators, who turned out in force, to enjoy the excitement of top quality competition.
The support race started and finished on the Esplanade against the backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall, the course took in South Parade, Baillie Street then via Penn Street, Cheetham Street and Hunters Lane, onto St Mary's Gate, Newgate Street, and back onto the Esplanade. However, the change in weather forced a course change for the main event which started instead at Bar 5, continued round the Bus Station and up Baillie Street, along St Mary's Gate, down Newgate and back onto the Esplanade.
Throughout the evening, the Butts played host to displays of cycling skills, as well as advice on healthy living and exercise to encourage local people to enjoy cycling.
The first race got underway at 7.00pm (for Class 3 amp; 4 riders) in good dry conditions and a keenly contested race ensued.
However, just after the main event began at 7.45pm (for Class1/2 and elite riders), the heavens opened and it bucketed down making conditions treacherous for competitors. Lots of riders dropped out due to the rain, including a few riders who suffered injuries. Many pulled into the pits to change their tyres to cope with the heavy rain, including the two front runners: first to stop was Chris Newton, closely followed by main rival Elliot.
Due to the severe rain the organisers were forced to take a lap off in the Elite Race as overlapping in the dark and wet conditions was dangerous.
Full details, including results, can be found on the CDNW web site at:
www.cdnw.org/Rochdale_GP/Rochdale_Grand_Prix.htm
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