Jul1

Written by:Portsmouth Lib Dems
Thursday, July 01, 2010 

"Fantastic, fast and perfect circuit" say organisers on TV

LOCAL Olympic medalist Rob Hayles was thrilled with the brilliant atmosphere as he competed with his 'Endura Cycle Team' in the highly competitive hour long sprints and endurance race.  Teams from across the UK and Ireland's national Olympic team powered around the latest 'Halford's Tour' stage on the mile long Southsea circuit with noisy crowds cheering support.  Backed by pit-stop teams and technical support - the slight rain caused a few spills along the way - the exciting race unfolded with drama and spills. The ten cities racing tour now heads for Durham and is bringing the growing sport - at which Team GB excel, to the grass-roots more and more. Earlier in the day local junior teams competed on the professional circuit and were thrilled with the experience.  The event was a big boost for the city as 'British Cycling' and Portsmouth work together to improve cycling facilities at the Mountbatten Centre track.  At the end of the racing 'Team Marshall's Pasta' led by Britain's Olympic 4,000 meter team pursuit Champion, Ed Clancy, were victorious; the big winner though was Portsmouth cycling as many of the racers and organisers appearing on ITV4's Sport Channel later said they wanted to come back next year.