Downing Shines in Brilliant Blackpool Nocturne
UK circuit race specialist Dean Downing took an emphatic victory in front of a packed Blackpool crowd for the final race of the 2010 Nocturne Series, the Blackpool Nocturne, held on Saturday 21st August 2010.
The group of elite cyclists took the mass of spectators by surprise as they hurtled around the streets of Blackpool at phenomenal speeds. It was a fantastic atmosphere further added to by the Brilliance Light and Sound show on Birley Street.
Downing (Rapha Condor Sharp) and Simon Richardson (Sigma Sport Specialized) spent much of the time off the front of the race, with Downing seemingly the only rider able to go with Richardson’s huge attack in the early stages. It was a decisive breakaway, and one that even managed to lap some notable contenders over the tight course. Downing’s sprint was too much for Richardson’s endurance-style, and it was always going to be likely that the punchy Yorkshire rider was going to be too powerful for Richardson.
“It’s taken me four years to win one of these,” laughed Downing after the finish. He and Richardson worked well, but were kept on their toes throughout the race by an impressive Dave Clarke. Despite Clarke’s best chasing efforts, he was outnumbered by a Rapha Condor Sharp squad looking for another podium position. Kristian House and Dean Windsor kept Clarke company, but it was Windsor who pealed off through the Red Bull chicane to take third.
Cycling fans, families, locals and partygoers lined the cobbled streets of Blackpool’s town centre, together enjoying a fantastic and unique spectacle. Riders launched past with no margin for error, before lining out through the Brilliance Sound and Light show, where spectators enjoyed watching the race in the nearby bars and cafes.
But earlier that evening, members of the public and amateur cyclists had a chance to participate in their own Blackpool Nocturne experience in the Cycle Hire Challenge, Cycling Weekly Support Race, Youth Races and Folding Bike Race.
Members of the public qualified over two heats for the Cycle Hire Challenge, celebrating the success of Blackpool’s scheme, which is set to expand to 500 bikes. Chris Johnson was first across the line on his yellow hire bike, with the bright Dynamo-powered lamps lighting up the circuit.
A convincing breakaway from Jamie Shirlaw (Herbalife / Wheelbase Team) and Will Penn (Mammoth Lifestyle RT) split the Cycling Weekly Support race, with a lot of the field strung across the circuit. The pair established a good lead, and it was Shirlaw who took the victory, proving just a tad too strong for Penn. David Everett (Team ProBikeKit) came in third.
Joe Fox dominated the Youth Race, who repeatedly took to the front on pushed up the pace. Now riding for the Rapha Condor youth squad, Fox will be happy with a ‘home’ victory at the Rapha Condor supported Nocturne. In the Girls’ standings, Abby-Mae Parkinson (Aire Valley Racing Team) took first.
The Dahon Folding Bike Race was a spectacle, as ever. Cyclists dressed in business attire started at the Red Bull Arch and raced towards their folding bikes at the start line. After a quick unfold, Rapha Condor Sharp professional Dan Craven established an early lead, leaving regular folding bike riders chasing. In the end, Craven’s notable cycling prowess was too much for the men and women in suits.
The Nocturne Series now ends for 2010, but many of the riders will enjoy a similar electric atmosphere at the upcoming Revolution series at Manchester Velodrome, which starts on 23rd October 2010, tickets on sale now.
Results
