LEVERHULME GRAND PRIX
A “HUGE SUCCESS”
Hundreds of cyclists and spectators descended on Birkenhead
Park for the first ever Leverhulme Grand Prix.
The event marked the first time in over 50 years that top-class
professional race cycling had taken place on the Wirral. A packed
schedule saw races held for juniors, youths, women, para, club and
elite cyclists. In total, 161 competitors took part across the day
coming from clubs and universities across the UK.
The elite race came down to a photo finish with Simon Wilson of
Ribble Cycling pipping teammate Daniel Bigham on the line. This
year’s event was the brainchild of Pedalare, which promotes cycling
as a leisure pursuit, supported by Birkenhead North End Cycling
Club, Cycling UK and British Cycling. It built on the rich heritage
of amateur racing held over many decades and organised by the
cycling club.
Leverhulme Estates was the event’s principal sponsor. Other
sponsors included Bikeline, FUEL10K and Bike Factory. Andy
Mills, of Pedalare, said: “We could not have been more pleased
with how the day went. We still had entries being taken on the
morning of the race and, in the case of the juniors and youths,
there was a queue outside of the gates to register, handled superbly
by volunteers from Birkenhead North End Cycling Club. The
quality of racing throughout the day was of the highest standard
with some thrilling finishes.”
Michael Benson, Chairman of Trustees at Leverhulme Estates, and
Councillor Geoffrey Watt, Mayor of Wirral, were among those
presenting prizes to the winners.
Andy Mills added: “The feedback we received during the day
from competitors and spectators was incredible and we now look
forward to building on this success with something even bigger
next year.”
Nigel McGurk, of Leverhulme Estates, said: “We were delighted
to be principal sponsor of an event that not only showcased how
exciting top-class cycling is, but also highlighted what a fantastic
leisure activity cycling can be for all the family.”
The full list of winners were:
• Leverhulme Grand Prix:
1. Simon Wilson 2. Daniel Bigham 3. Morvelo Basso
• Bike Factory Crit:
1. Stephen Stoneman 2. Josh Whitehead 3. Olly Howarth
• FUEL10K Women’s Open:
1. Madeleine Scott 2. Kim Baptista 3. Gemma Sargent
• National Paracycling Race:
1. Chris McDonald 2. Alex Brooke-Turner 3. Luke Jones
• A Boys: 1. Daniels Kucerjavijs 2. Adam Smith 3. Thomas Hay
• A Girls: 1. Isabelle McKinnon 2. Lwsi Gocher
• B Boys: 1. Aaron Dodd 2. Nathan Smith, 3. Isaac Lawrence
• B Girls: 1. Anna Hay
• C Boys:
1. Thomas Whealer 2. Michael Postlethwaite 3. Oscar Lloyd
• C Girls: 1. Natasha Hill 2. Evelyn Field 3. Jamie-Leigh Lloyd
Detailed results can be found at www.results.sporthive.com
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