Warwickshire News Mine

A packed agenda of race action, including everything from traditional two-wheeled competition of an international standard through to trike and unicycle races, and an array of family entertainment, saw the crowds turn out to enjoy the glorious Warwick sunshine.

The 3rd Warwick Cycle Races, backed by the Warwickshire County Council TravelWise team, attracted a record number of entries with 284 taking part.

The day kicked off with the trike race, and 69-year-old Greta Spiers, president of the Trike Association, led the line-up. It was local lad Dave Oberton from Rugby Velo who won the race.

The races continued to gather momentum with a fantastic come and try it race that saw 40 entrants of all shapes and sizes. The under 12 race was a marvel as entrants as young as six turned out to ride the notoriously tight Warwick circuit. The youth race was gripping and the winner was 15-year-old George Atkins of Welland Valley Cycling Team.

Then the unicyclists hit the circuit, some of them quite literally, as they fought to stay on the array of unusual contraptions around the kilometre circuit. In the mixed category race some pedalled backwards, others had two wheels - one on top of the other! They were tall and short and highly entertaining for the crowds. Even Cllr Ian Lloyd dusted off his unicycle, which he had learnt to ride for a charity fundraiser as Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Roger Davies the unlimited Big wheel unicycle champion took gold in the Big Wheel Unicycle race, which saw a brave few battle it out over a distance of 5km. It was such a success they hope to return next year and attempt a 10km race.

The pace didn’t stop there next was the top three races which saw the cyclists speed around the circuit. Lorna Webb of KSV Deerlijk Gaverzight Ctcling team won the Women’s Cycle Racing Association National Circuit Race Championship. Mayor McFarland did the honours of presenting the ladies with their prizes.

Warwickshire County Council’s Cllr George Atkinson who used to take part in Cycling Time trials himself a number of years ago started The 3rd, 4th and Juniors category race, this was won by Simon Holt Merlin Development Squad.

The penultimate Men’s Elite race saw a clear victory for Warrick Spence (London Dynamo) as he crossed the finish line 30 seconds clear of the of James Taylor (Plowman Craven RT). The race was eventful as Kristian House one of the frontrunners of the race had two dramatic mishaps. First House broke his crank with 2 laps to go then he took a tumble after trying to regain his advantage.

Malcolm Elliot Tour of Spain points jersey winner battled it out with World Champion Rob Hayles (Team KLR) and did enough to secure the Elite race series.

Peter Mooney, race organiser with British Cycling, said: “The riders love the course and the setting so it always makes a good finale to the race series. The event gets better and better every year and hopefully the event will continue to run for some time.”

Adrian Field, Town Centre Manager, said: “The event was excellent and very well supported.”

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet member for the Environment, who presented the Elite men’s prizes, agreed:  “It was an amazing spectacle that allowed people of all ages and abilities to take part in something fun, beneficial and rewarding.”

The square was busy all day with juggling and unicycle displays, Warwickshire Police post coding bikes, various stalls and the TravelWise racing bike competition, with more than 150 people entering on the day.

The winner of the Claud Butler bike worth £500 was Simon Freck from Coventry who ticked the box health benefits for why he cycles as he feels that being so fit helped him battle Leukaemia more than 11 years ago. He has never driven since and still cycles to work everyday.

Karen Martin Sustainable Travel Officer with the county council, added: “A great day was had by all, Warwick has never been so alive on a Sunday afternoon, we are looking forward to supporting British Cycling in next year’s event and hope the races encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes.”

Link to WCC