World Class and top UK cyclists battled it out on the streets of the Colne in 20 degree temperatures. Matthew Bostock, of Canyon dhb, had a fourth win of the National Circuit Series Men which helped him celebrate his birthday in style! Matthew commented to a local reporter, “I couldn’t be any happier. I was second last year and first this year! It was full on for an hour and it all came together at the end. I really like this course – it’s fast and there’s a good atmosphere. A lot of people were banging on the barriers. I’m sure a lot of kids racing tonight in the youth races will be in the Colne Grand Prix in the future”. Jonathan Moult, of Madison Genesis, came second with Oliver Wood, of Canyon dhb, in third place. Ian Wilson commented, “I’m so pleased that Fort Vale had the opportunity to be a part of this excellent event that brings so much for the riders and Colne”.
The race night also included Riggs Autopack Sprint for Success race and youth races sponsored by Unique Group. Nigel Matthews, of Riggs, commented,”It’s been
absolutely fantastic! It’s great to be part of something local and to do something for the local community”. Mary Thomas, Chairman of Colne Town Council, said, “We are very proud to have hosted the 16th Colne Grand Prix and to bring this top cycling event to our town centre. Every race was highly competed for and the cyclists in all races powered through the town. It was an amazing spectacle”, and she also went on to say, “I’d like to thank all our sponsors for this event”. Cycling Olympian Steven Burke was watching the race in his home town and commented, “Colne Grand Prix is a classic. It’s goods that it’s been going since 2004. It’s a fast course throughout and without any steep downhill stretches there’s no braking and you have to keep pedalling the whole time for over an hour”.