Record year as thousands watch Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix
It was a record year for a major cycle race held in Shrewsbury town centre.
The Shrewsbury Grand Prix took place today with spectators young and old lining the streets to experience the action-packed event.
About 450 amateur and professional riders tackled the tight, fast-paced town centre circuit while being cheered on by the crowds.
It was the fourth annual race in the town and a giant screen was also set up to allow spectators to follow all the action.
Race organiser Ben Lawrence, 41, of Shrewsbury, said: "We've probably had 6,000 to 7,000 people turn up and there are 450 riders.
"This is the biggest in terms of numbers.
"It's gone very well. The course is a bit longer this year and includes quite a strong hill. It will sort the men from the boys.
"We hope we are giving a nice event to the town. It is run on a voluntary basis. We hope it introduces more people to bike racing."
This year the course was extended by 500m to make it 1.5km in total and it included a punchy climb up Claremont Bank.
The event began at midday with the U10/U12 boys’ and girls’ race and was followed by the U14/U16 boys’ and girls’ youth race.
There was then the Dyke Yaxley Junior Men’s Race, the Beaumont Lawrence Men’s 4th Cat only race, the Flex It Women’s only race and the Cooper Green Pooks Men’s 2/3/4 support race.
The day finished with the professionals and elite riders taking to the course.
The elite race was won by Chris Lawless, who is the current national champion in circuit racing.
Medals and prizes were handed out to the winners.
Cerys Greaves, 10, and her 13-year-old brother Ryan Greaves, of Wem, both picked up medals in their races.
Cerys came second in the U12s race and her brother picked up third place in the U14s race.
They are both members of Mid Shropshire Wheelers cycling club.
Their mother Jane Greaves, 48, said: "They have only been cycling for two years.
"This is their second grand prix and Ryan has been ill for the last three weeks.
"It has been nerve-racking when they've both been racing.
"It's a good day out. The atmosphere is brilliant. The elite race is fantastic to watch."
Speaking about her race, Cerys added: "It was quite tough but it was fun."
Jonathan Benson, of Llandrinio, took part in the Beaumont Lawrence Men’s 4th Cat race.
The 41-year-old, who is also a member of the Mid Shropshire Wheelers cycling club, said: "I did this event last year.
"It's great to be in the centre of the town in front of a crowd.
"It is a tough circuit. I've been cycling since I was 15. I like to push myself. It's just the challenge."
Jonty Williams, a coach at Herefordshire Cycling Club, brought along several members of the team to take part in the races.
Emyr Truelove, 12, won first place in the U12s race, while his 15-year-old brother William Truelove won third place in the U16s race.
Mr Williams, 46, of Ledbury, said: "This is the first time we've done this one.
"It's brilliant. The town and where it's set up is great. It's one of the best we've been to. The circuit is testing.
"We will come back. It's one to put on the calender for next year."
Emyr, who comes from near Leominster, added: "I take part in lots of races but this was a really good one to do."
The extended course this year took riders from High Street through the town via Barker Street to Claremont Bank and then along St Chad’s Terrace and up St John’s Hill, and Cross Hill.
Riders then followed College Hill to Princess Street and Milk Street before returning to the High Street and the start/finish line near to The Square.
