Winchester hosted its biggest cycling race for over 16 years this Sunday (August 11) as the Winchester Criterium closed an incredible Summer of Cycling.
The city centre race saw nearly 200 cycling enthusiasts from all over the country descend upon the ancient streets from as far afield as Sussex, Jersey and Abergavenny.
With such junior cyclists as winner Brendan Druitt and fourth placed Charles Page from last week's RideLondon, the criterium drew on stars from past and present.
Around thirty competitors took part in the women's race, which cycletoursuk promoted heavily, following the multiple achievements at the Olympics last year. Eighty-five juniors and 80 racers across both men's categories also took part.
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine was there also with his two-year old son, William.
Crispin Quail, Velo Club Venta club secretary, said: "We're pleased it's back in Winchester and to see so many participating."
There was good support from sponsors at the event, with the likes of Hendy Ford, BID and bike-fitters Vankru providing £500 for the women's race prize money.
Cycletoursuk organiser, Graham Dawson, said: "I think cycling is a great way to get out and about. I joined VC and it grew from there. There was real demand for this event."
Steve Brine said; ""This was a terrific way to end Winchester's Summer of cycling. The Criterium races themselves, and actually the whole day, was really good fun. The city council have a real hit on their hands here and deserve huge credit for making this happen. I think we need to see this return bigger next year and we need to see this new cycling enthusiasm translate into a sea-change of how we cater for cyclists on the streets of Winchester when there's not a planned race event with caged off streets.
"I hope we have inspired some future champions like Dani King and Rob Hayles and for me, it was complete when my two-year little boy told me at bedtime that night he wanted to get a big boys bike after seeing the event in full swing."
The event also saw a family fun day with activities and stalls in the Broadway.
More information ...
Visit Steve's dedicated cycling pages which include full details of the MPs work as Vice-Chair of the All-Party Cycling Group in Parliament - www.stevebrine.com/cycling