Cyclist Graham South wins Shrewsbury Grand Prix

South, from Telford, triumphed in the men's amateur race at Sunday's event, which attracted thousands onto the streets of Shrewsbury's town centre.

And the 40-year-old, who was representing Shrewsbury-based event organisers Paramount Cycle Racing Team, said that he had enjoyed terrific support on his way round the demanding circuit.

He said: "My wife was there, my mum and dad were there, friends and family, and the rest of the team who have been on marshalling.

"It was great to hear the noise and the support going round the course. It was fantastic."

He added: "I live in Leegomery so it is great to win my local race. I am really chuffed.

"And this is my second season for road racing so I am really pleased with my progress. The course on Sunday was so intense, there's no recovery. You are just literally sprinting at every corner.

"You have got to have good bike-handling skills in the cobbled sections and through the tight corners.

"It's just 100 per cent all the time so it was great to win it."

A 49-strong field contested the race and South said that he hopes to return next year to defend his crown.

He finished just ahead of second placed Kenny Cliff of Hinckley TLC and third-placed Chris Allcott of Fred Williams Cycles, who were one and two seconds behind respectively.

The amateur race was sandwiched between a women's only race which attracted 35 competitors including Britain;s Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell.

But it was GB Cycles' Brit Tate, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, who took first place, edging out Harriet Owen, of Matrix Fitness, and Lydia Gurley, of Merlin Cycles, on the podium.

Rowsell finished fourth while Paramount's Victoria Grimmer came 12th, Shrewsbury's Hayley Edwards, who was riding for British Cycling Elite team Starley Primal Pro Cycling Team, came 19th and Mid Shropshire Wheelers' Beth Coupland came 20th.

The event finished with the men's pro race which was won by Tate's boyfriend Robert Watson. He was joined on the podium by James Notley, of Mammoth Lifestyle Racing, in second, and George Moore, of Bicicielo, in third.

Both winners said they wanted to come back to Shropshire next year to defend their titles.

Race organiser Ben Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence, said: "It was a really fantastic day. The quality of racing was superb and, despite the forecast for showers, the rain held off and the event was a huge success.

"We know there was a lot of preparation and the races were tight, fast and technical. We wanted this event to put Shrewsbury and Shropshire on the cycling map and it has certainly done that."

Lawrence praised Shropshire County Council for helping to make the event happen.

He added: "All the races were fantastic to watch and to have Olympic gold medalist Joanna Rowsell compete was such an honour. The professional race was a real crowd pleaser with riders reaching top notch speeds.

"We would like to congratulate all the winners and thank all involved, especially the sponsors - Beaumont Lawrence, Stan's Cycles, Cooper Green Pooks and Pure Communications."