THOUSANDS of families and cycle fans gathered on Sunday to cheer on the teams of elite cyclists who were taking part in the fourth Chorley Grand Prix.

People of all ages packed onto Park Road in Chorley from 11am, with thousands more lining the 116 mile route which took the professional cyclists on a challenging tour of some of Chorley’s most spectacular countryside.

The prestigious race, organised by Chorley Council and British Cycling with support from Active Nation, was the first race in the HSBC UK British Elite Spring Cup Series and was won by Karol Domagalski from One Pro Cycling. Second place went to Jonathan McEvoy and Richard Handley from Wigan took third place with both riding for Madison Genesis.

Rebecca Huddleston, director at Chorley Council said: “The Chorley Grand Prix was once again a huge success and everyone seemed to really enjoy the occasion which made for a brilliant atmosphere.

“This is the fourth time we have hosted the Chorley Grand Prix as part of the British Elite Spring Cup Series and it was fantastic to see the country’s elite cyclists in Chorley.

“The event was much more than just a cycle race; families and children enjoyed the many activities available in the cycle village including arts, crafts, challenges and much more.

“It was great to see so many people getting into the spirit of the occasion and that people decorated bikes along the route which gave the event a splash of colour.

“It was also good to see so many people lining the route and cheering on the cyclists, particularly for the Check out Chorley King of the Mountain challenge at Rivington, and at Buckshaw Village.”

On the day there were plenty of activities for all of the family and lots of information from local community clubs and groups.

“People could test their skills on balance bikes; pedal for a smoothie, try out the watt bike challenge and participate in sprinter finish races. Plus Active Nation had giveaways for those that did well in the watt bike challenge.

The full results of the race are as available on the website, www.britishcycling.org.uk