HUNDREDS of spectators enjoyed a dramatic battle for victory as the Dudley Grand Prix delivered an exciting evening of thrills and spills.
The British Cycling National Circuit Series returned to light up Dudley town centre yesterday (Friday July 11).
Hundreds of people lined the streets to cheer on the racers as they sprinted past local landmarks like Coronation Gardens and Dudley Town Hall.
Matthew Bostock charged to victory in the open category race after an extremely close fight for the win.
The lead changed hands multiple times in the final two laps but the Ribble Rebellion team rider claimed top spot with a strong finish.
In the women’s race, Scottish champion Eilidh Shaw stole the lead on the final lap of the race and outpaced her rivals in a gripping chase to the finish line.
It was Shaw’s second consecutive win in the series after victory in Guildford last week.
The fastest amateur cyclists from across the Midlands battled for bragging rights in the regional support race. Thomas Childs held off his challengers to reach the finish line in another exciting conclusion to the race.
There were also a variety of youth races for competitors aged under 12, under 14 and under 16 to show off their skills.
Families also enjoyed the rare opportunity to cycle around an elite-level racing circuit as part of the community social ride.
The event was funded by the UK Government, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund. It was organised by Generation Pro Cycling Events in partnership with Dudley Council.
Councillor Patrick Harley, the leader of Dudley Council, said: The Grand Prix has been a brilliant night for the borough. Occasions like these are fantastic for bringing more people into our town centre and putting Dudley’s name out there in the national spotlight.
We’re proud to have staged such a prestigious event as part of the Black Country Festival. It was the perfect way to begin a busy weekend of festival celebrations and we all hope it’s the start of a very memorable couple of days for English sport.
Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "I hope the many young people who came along to watch found a source of inspiration from the racers, as befitting the legacy of the Commonwealth Games. The Games funding has helped us to bring this brilliant spectacle to their doorsteps."
The fun continues today with the next Black Country Festival event, as the two-day Black Country Musicom festival opens at Himley Hall and Park.
The Symphonix Rock Orchestra will headline alongside tributes to Oasis and the Foo Fighters. The event will run from 5pm to 10pm. There will also be a comedy tent, funfair, food stalls, and performances from local bands.
More top tribute acts including Tina Turner, Madness and Taylor Swift will take to the stage from midday to 8pm on Sunday.
Ticketholders will then have the chance to cheer on Stourbridge’s own Jude Bellingham and company as England’s clash with Spain in the Euro 2024 final will be shown live on a 45m2 big screen.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here