Crowds flock toTickhill for second cycling Grand Prix

Organiser Richard Stoodley, of Tickhill Velo Club, believes that cycling’s popularity in the region is at its greatest and believes it will only continue to grow.

“The way the event has grown in one year is unbelievable,” he said.

“I don’t think cycling has ever been bigger in Doncaster than it is now.”

“The Olympics, the Tour de France, the Doncaster Cycle Festival and the Tickhill Velo will collectively inspire the next generation of cyclists.”

“We are already seeing that now and I’m sure it will last for years to come.”

A full programme of racing had juniors, amateurs and the elite men and women flocking to Tickhill.

Harry Tanfield, of Great Ayton in North Yorkshire, took the honours in the men’s elite race, the culmination of a day’s fantastic racing.

Thurcroft’s Russ Downing, of NFTO, came home sixth.

Cyclists James Storey, 32, and John Walker, 50, both from Retford, were full of praise for the event.

Storey said: “It’s great to see so many people here.”

“The organisers really have pulled out all the stops.”

Walker added: “I’ve never known cycling to be so popular, especially in this area.”