Otley town centre was packed once again on Tuesday night for the 17th annual staging of the Chevin Cycles Town Centre Road Race.

Russell Downing (unattached) romped home to victory in his first win at the event. Leading from the outset Downing easily took victory from Ian Wilkinson (OVCA Troyes) and Chris Young (Team Marie Curie).

Downing has just returned from the continent after the collapse of team sponsors IT Nova.com and was not even entered in the programme but he swept the prize board winning the overall title and all the primes.

He was pleased with his victory which is his third in only three races back on English soil.

"The atmosphere was excellent, it is one of the best races I have ridden away from the continent," he said.

Downing hopes to find new sponsorship and return to continental riding as soon as possible.

Downing, Ian Wilkinson and Chris Young contested victory in a breakaway bunch early on but Downing made his break and remained out front on his own relentlessly pounding away for the one hour plus five laps of the town centre circuit.

Downing made the break on the 11th lap, averaging a 46 second lead. Wilkinson (OVCA Troyes) Young (Team Marie Curie) failed to reduce Downing's lead as the Rotherham born rider swept to victory. It was pleasing to see local rider Chris Young (Team Marie Curie) achieve third place after an excellent ride. Chris has ridden the race for many year's and achieved his best position last night.

The best local rider prize was won by Otley's Marc Help (Team Chevin Cycles), who was the only local rider to stay in the race.

Marc was pleased with his performance and thought he had prepared well for the race but the great atmosphere had really pulled him along.

Sid Barras, the former professional continental rider, started the race this year.

He said: "I am very pleased with the race this year, the organisation has been excellent and the ride by Downing was fantastic."

The race attracted a field of 62 competitors, from clubs all over the country. The average lap time was just over 3 minutes

Prior to the main race there were children's races organised by Mike Healey the East Bradford CC Development Officer, saw 41 riders competing.

Scott Thwaites of Burley-in-Wharfedale won the Under-12 race and Richard Hepworth won the Under-16 race.

The event organisers thanked the race sponsors Chevin Cycles of Otley and Massingberd Volkswagen of Otley for their continued support.

Race commentary was once again provided by Eurosport's Mike Smith.

Results

1, Russell Downing (unattached); 2, Ian Wilkinson (OVCA Troyes); 3, Chris Young (Team Marie Curie); 4, Chris Breedon (Triangle RT Vodoo); 5, Mike Moss (Cottingham CRT); 6, Phil West (VC Straphael); 7, Phillip Dixon (Team Y2K); 8, Chris Daddy (Cottingham CRT); 9, Alastair Kay (York Cycleworks); 10, Dan Keena (Cottingham CRT); Team tactics prize - Cottingham CRT; Best rider under 23 - Phillip Dixon (Team Y2K); Most aggressive rider - Ian Wilkinson (UVCA Troyes); Best Otley rider -Marc Help (Team Chevin Cycles); Best surviving veteran - Tony Parkinson (Rochdale Club).