Leverhulme Grand Prix a “huge success”

Posted on 23rd July 2018 in Estate News

Hundreds of cyclists and spectators descended on Birkenhead Park yesterday (Sunday) for the first ever Leverhulme Grand Prix. The event marked the first time in over 50 years that top-class professional race cycling had taken place on the Wirral.

The Leverhulme Grand Prix Jpg Gallery

A packed schedule saw races held for juniors, youths, women, para, club and elite cyclists. In total, 161 competitors took part across the day coming from clubs and universities across the UK.

The elite race came down to a photo finish with Simon Wilson of Ribble Cycling pipping teammate Daniel Bigham on the line.

This year’s event was the brainchild of Pedalare, which promotes cycling as a leisure pursuit, supported by Birkenhead North End Cycling Club, Cycling UK and British Cycling. It built on the rich heritage of amateur racing held over many decades and organised by the cycling club.

Leverhulme Estates was the event’s principal sponsor. Other sponsors included Bikeline, FUEL10K and Bike Factory.

Andy Mills, of Pedalare, said: “We could not have been more pleased with how the day went.

“We still had entries being taken on the morning of the race and, in the case of the juniors and youths, there was a queue outside of the gates to register, handled superbly by volunteers from Birkenhead North End Cycling Club.

“The quality of racing throughout the day was of the highest standard with some thrilling finishes.”

Michael Benson, Chairman of Trustees at Leverhulme Estates, and Councillor Geoffrey Watt, Mayor of Wirral, were among those presenting prizes to the winners.

Andy Mills added: “The feedback we received during the day from competitors and spectators was incredible and we now look forward to building on this success with something even bigger next year.”

Nigel McGurk, of Leverhulme Estates, said: “We were delighted to be principal sponsor of an event that not only showcased how exciting top-class cycling is, but also highlighted what a fantastic leisure activity cycling can be for all the family.”

The full list of winners were:

Leverhulme Grand Prix – 1) Simon Wilson, 2) Daniel Bigham, 3) Morvelo Basso

Bike Factory Crit – 1) Stephen Stoneman, 2) Josh Whitehead, 3) Olly Howarth

FUEL10K Women’s Open – 1) Madeleine Scott, 2) Kim Baptista, 3) Gemma Sargent

National Paracycling Race – 1) Chris McDonald, 2) Alex Brooke-Turner, 3) Luke Jones

A Boys – 1) Daniels Kucerjavijs, 2) Adam Smith, 3) Thomas Hay

A Girls – 1) Isabelle McKinnon, 2) Lwsi Gocher

B Boys – 1) Aaron Dodd, 2) Nathan Smith, 3) Isaac Lawrence

B Girls – 1) Anna Hay

C Boys – 1) Thomas Whealer, 2) Michael Postlethwaite, 3) Oscar Lloyd

C Girls – 1) Natasha Hill, 2) Evelyn Field, 3) Jamie-Leigh Lloyd

Detailed results can be found at www.results.sporthive.com