People flocked to Bridgnorth to watch intrepid cyclists hurtling down the town’s steps in an unusual sporting event, which managed to draw in about 4,000 spectators. The “downtown” mountain bike race yesterday was the first of its kind staged in the UK, and organisers said Bridgnorth was perfect with its steep steps linking High Town and Low Town.
Town mayor Iain Seivewright began the race and presented prizes to the winners. He said it was a great day and he would be happy to welcome the event back again next year.
He said: “I thought it was excellent. I was there to start the race and then hand out the awards. As far as I am concerned it was an excellent event. It drew a lot of people to the town and provided a lot of extra business for traders.”
Organiser of the event, Chris Roberts, said around 4,000 came to watch the race and it was a successful day.
He said: “We had a few teething troubles at first like some cars left in the road which we had to eventually tow away, so that delayed the start by about 45 minutes. But once it got going it went really well. We could not believe how many people turned up to watch.
“I heard some pubs had to close their doors because they were just so packed.”
Gee Atherton, of Oswestry, won the race, with Telford’s Matt Simmonds runner-up and Scott Beaumont, of Kidderminster, third. Pictured is Marc Beaumont, from Craven Arms.
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