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Can Downing wrap up Elite Circuit Series in Colne?

Colne GP | Elite Circuit Race Series - Round Four
Event: 13th July 2011
Event Details
Video: Anthony McCrossan

Video:  The Colne GP follows on from Abergavenny in the Elite Series

The penultimate round of the British Cycling Elite Circuit Race Series takes place in Lancashire in the heart of Colne where elite competitors will sprint around the 800m town centre circuit at speeds of up to 40mph.

Rapha Condor's Dean Downing leads the way in the overall standings with 174 points following his win in Abergavenny and can wrap up the series on Wednesday evening although teammate Dean Windsor sits just behind on 150.

More than 200 riders are expected to descend on the historic market town for the evening inclduing some of the country's best cyclists with Colne's own Olympic medallist Steven Burke, from the Team UK Youth leading the way.

He'll be challenged by riders including Scott Thwaites from Burley in Wharfedale (Endura Racing) who won the opening round in Otley and Dean Windsor (Rapha Condor Sharp) who dominated the second race of the series in Stafford.

The hotly contested British Cycling Elite Circuit Series is wide open this year, with Olympic Champion Ed Clancy (Rapha Condor Sharp) and last year's series winner Ian Wilkinson from Pendle (Endura Racing), along with the man who chased him all the way Dean Downing (Rapha Condor) still in the frame for the overall win in the five race series that was won last year by Olympic champion, Ed Clancy.

Race organiser Ivor Armstrong says: "Road cycling is fast and furious and, as riders hurtle around the town centre, an exhilarating spectator sport.

"The Colne Cycle Races are a fantastic opportunity for people from across Lancashire to see some of the stars of the sport in action ahead of London 2012, as well as cheering on local talent. Last year we had huge crowds of spectators and it is shaping up to be a great night again this year."

British Cycling's cycle sport and membership director Jonny Clay added says: "Cycling is growing in popularity in the UK and the Elite Circuit Race Series aims to raise the standard of competition amongst top level British cyclists.

"We have put together a calendar of closed road circuit races in towns across the country and hope these will act as a showcase for cycling, introducing the sport to new audiences."