The thrills and spills of cycling powered into Essex on Sunday for a top gear event.

Spectators descended on Brentwood to witness the excitement of a round of the national men's circuit race series battled out on bikes in Brentwood Town Centre.

There was a split second in it as current series leader Simon Gaywood from Luton crossed the finish to take first place in the Copthorn Homes Brentwood Trophy Race.

Second was James Taylor, of Edinburgh, with Justin Hoy, third and Essex rider Gary Baker delighting the crowds with a fourth position.

There was also a taste of glory for cycling stars of the future as young people competed in youth races in three age categories. These included young club members who take their cycling very seriously-including Sean Dunlea who was first past the chequered flag in the under eight category.

Later the race track was taken over by mums, dads and children for the Mayor's Charity Bikeathon an hour long event to raise money for charities chosen by the Mayor of Brentwood, Cllr Shirley Howe, as well as national and local charities.

It was blazing saddles in blazing heat as scores of riders from tots to pensioners joined in the fun.

The town centre was closed to traffic for the duration of the cycle races which were sponsored by Copthorn Homes, part of Brentwood-based Countryside Properties, Trio Graphic Display Limited, Brentwood Events, Brentwood Borough Council, Brentwood Town Centre Partnership and the Glendene Cycling Club.

Race organiser Tony Woodcock, Glendene club secretary, said: "I was extremely happy with the big race. There were 43 riders lined up and it was well fought out. It was a national series event and spectators got a taste of what the proper races are like."

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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Brought to you by the Brentwood Gazette