Elite cycle racing sees big crowds in Newark as the National Circuit Series returns to the town with Alec Briggs winning the men’s event and Robyn Clay winning the women’s race
In the second year running since lockdown, elite cyclists took to the streets in the Newark Town Centre Races.
Hundreds of spectators lined the circuit and soaked up the atmosphere of the event as fast-paced action zipped along the roads and cobblestones of the town.
Roads were closed in and around the town centre for the final rounds of the men’s and women’s elite National Circuit Series, featuring Newark’s own Isabel Darvill and Rebecca Richards.
Newark and Sherwood District Council Chairman Councillor Celia Brooks opened the races which began with a community ride of around 40 riders.
“The town centre felt very busy and vibrant, it also helped that the weather stayed dry,” said Brooks.
“It was a great honour to cut the tape and start the event off with the Community Bike Ride.
“I was able to present some of the prizes, it was wonderful to be part of the podium celebrations.
“This has been a really positive event for the town, bringing new visitors in and offering local residents the chance to see and enjoy elite sport.”
The community ride provided an opportunity for residents to ride the circuit safely through town in an environment free from traffic.
"It was great to see so many people in the town, having fun," said resident Nicola Ball on social media.
"It was an amazing event," added Maria Leahy, "it was great to see such a nice vibe in the town."
It was then onto the fun Brompton Bikes relay event before the competitive racing began.
The youth events went off without a hitch before the women's race started.
After a close-fought battle at the top, Lincoln-based Pro-Noctis - Heidi Kjeldsen - 200 Degrees Coffee rider Robyn Clay took the win.
She was followed closely by Emma Jeffers in second and Darvill in third.
Clay's success at Newark follows on from a recent win in Lincoln.
Clay's teammate Corinnes Side was crowned as the winner of the national women's series.
Another teammate, Jo Tindley came fourth in the Newark race and second in the series overall — assisting Pro-Noctis to win as the leading team.
Darvill's third-place performance at Newark secured her third in the series.
"I am so happy to finish the crit series with a win," said Clay.
"It was a great night for the whole team taking the overall series win as well as Corinne Side and Jo Tindley taking first and second overall."
"I was third in my hometown race of Newark and third overall in the circuit series classification," said Darvill.
"This race means a lot to me, racing in my hometown in front of so many friends and familiar faces, it adds more pressure and a further drive to succeed."
The men's race saw fast action including some spills on the course.
Alec Briggs won the event with Matt Fox in second and Isaac Mundy rounding out the top three.
"It is the best course of the year," said the race winner, Briggs.
Ben Chilton was the overall winner in the National Circuit Series.
the overwhelming thing is that it was a brilliant event
Newark really is a spectacular place to bring any race but particularly one that is part of the national series.
"It was another successful event," said organiser Chris Lawrence.
"The spectators far outweighed what they were last year."
Lawrence added that the event brings great benefits to the town.
"The event projects imagery to show what a gem the town is, it showcases what is a stunning little place we have here at Newark and it puts the place on the map."
"We are planning to work with the council to see what the economic advantages of the event are and how we can add to that moving forward."
“As the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing I am delighted to see elite sport coming to Newark,” said councillor Susan Crosby.
“For me, the Community Ride was a highlight, seeing families going round the course first was a delight.
“It would be great to see this event encourage our residents to take to two wheels and explore our district.
“Cycling is a great way to explore Newark and the surrounding areas with so many trails and cycle paths, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy going for a bike ride.”
