Warwickshire News Mine

In total 329 riders, aged from just six to 70-years-old, took part on the town centre course around the centre of Warwick.

Gordon McCauley became the second rider from New Zealand to win the Elite Race following the win last year by Warrick Spence. Gordon McCauley will be riding for his home nation in the Professional World Racing Championships in Germany at the end of this month.

The women’s race was dominated by Lizzie Armitstead, the current National Champion, who led from the first lap.

But it wasn’t all serious action on the track with this year attracting 36 youngsters in the under 10 category, plus some one-wheeled fun and games from the unicycle race – won again this year by world record holder Roger Davies.

There was plenty of action off the circuit as well with face painting, hula hoop demonstrations, juggling displays, a minicycle circuit and a Dr Bike session with Alex Brown from the Recycling Warehouse in Princes Drive, Leamington.

Crowds of people turned out to spectate and many would have spotted the winner of the TravelWise regional ‘Face Factor’ competition Mark Billingham in his Dame Edna garb. Mark will now be appearing in an advertising campaign for TravelWise to promote public transport.

Warwickshire County Council worked with TravelWise, Warwick District Council, Warwickshire Police and British Cycling to organise this year’s races.

The National TravelWise Association, of which Warwickshire County Council is a member, is a network of sectors, including local authorities, health sector, academic sector and passenger transport executives working together to promote healthy and sustainable transport.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet member for the Environment, said: “I’m delighted that so many both took part and turned out to watch this spectacle in Warwick town centre, which has established itself as a major event on the town’s calendar each year.

“Cycling is a great leisure pursuit, way to commute, and way to keep healthy. Hopefully lots of people will have been inspired by Sunday’s race action to get out there and give it a go themselves.”

A photo gallery from this year’s event is available for viewing at
http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycleraces.

Link to WCC