Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 12 July 2015 20:04
Big crowds turned out to see the British Cycling Youth National Circuit Race Championships for the first time Scotland has ever hosted the prestigious event.
More than 350 riders were involved, with seven races ranging from under-eights all the way up to under-16 level.
The action took place on a fast course around the town centre, starting and finishing in front of Paisley Town Hall and looping around St Mirren Street and New Street, through the University of the West of Scotland, and back round past Paisley Abbey via Orchard Street and Bridge Street.
The event was brought to Paisley by a joint bid between Renfrewshire Council and the Paisley 2015 group of local cycling clubs.
During the day the council laid on a programme of free family entertainment for the crowds, including a main stage with live music at Paisley Cross, the Seven Stanes BMX stunt team, food stalls and giant games and inflatables.
The winners on the day were as follows – Under-16 boys: Fred Wright (VC Londres); Under-16 girls: Jenny Holl (Stirling Bike Club); Under-14 boys: Lewis Askey (Lichfield City CC); Under-14 girls: Ella Barnwell (Cranc Cyclesport); Under-12 boys: Max Poole (Bike box Alan); Under-12 girls: Isabella Escalera (Hillingdon Slipstreamers); Under-10s/8s: James Donaldson.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, who was on hand to present some of the medals, said: “It was a pleasure to be there for a thrilling day of racing action, with a great atmosphere at the finish line
“The previous winners of this event have included some of the sport’s biggest names, so who knows whether we were watching a future Olympic medal winner here on the streets of Paisley today?
“I want to thank our partners in the local cycling clubs who helped bring this event to the town and for their months of hard work to make today such a success.
“Renfrewshire has a thriving cycling scene, and that was evident today with the number of competitors from local clubs going head to head with the UK’s best, which was great to see.
“Hosting this sort of national event is something we will aim to do more of as we move towards Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.
“Having hundreds of competitors travelling to the town from across the UK will hopefully have been a nice boost for local businesses, and I hope our visitors found plenty to charm them while here.”
Kenny Steele of the Paisley 2015 group of local cycling clubs added: “Today has showcased the quality of youth cycling in the UK. The levels of commitment from riders, parents and volunteers has been fantastic.
“It sends out a great message to the 200-plus members of local cycling clubs and to any young people considering taking up the sport. The future of competitive cycling is very rosy.
“Today also showcased all that Paisley has to offer. The support of Renfrewshire Council, our sponsors and the local community has been outstanding.
“Activities like this bring the town alive and I know we will see many more of these events in the future as Paisley sets out its bid for UK City of Culture 2021.”
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