Thomas leaves it late to claim win

Sep 17 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

PHIL THOMAS, the 1983 British Road Race champion from Liverpool Mercury, proved he can still mix it with the modern day cyclists when he won of the support races for the Tour of Britain’s visit to Liverpool.

Thomas won the Regional B event, leaving his sprint to the last second and snatching victory from the lone breakaway rider Danny Lowthorpe (Rutland CC), who was third with VC St Raphael’s Matt Winston second.

Thomas said: “It’s great for the Tour of Britain to in the Capital of Culture and it’s fantastic for the young riders too. Some could be riding the Tour of Britain some day.”

Merseyside Cycling Development Group (MCDG), with sponsorship from The Liverpool Culture Company, held over two hours of support races around a short circuit in the shadow of the Three Graces. Using the same finish line as the professionals, events were held for all categories from 11 and 12-year-olds through to elite men and women.

Another Liverpool rider, Stephen Rudkin, FP Mailing Cycle Team won the National B event. He said: “I felt it went very well. It was a tough one and it was nice to have a race in my home town for a change and show myself to local people.

“I’ve been racing in Europe all summer so it was nice to come home and win my first proper race back and I’m really pleased with the win.”

Organiser Tom Greep said: “With Liverpool hosting the final stage of this year’s Tour of Britain, it was a perfect chance for the MCDG to encourage cycling within the area. So when the Liverpool Culture Company approached we jumped at the chance to do it. Without the help and assistance of Tour of Britain Technical Director Mick Bennett, these support races would not have been possible. Just think what it will do for the future of the sport of cycling within the area. Possibly one of the youth competitors we saw today may either be riding future Tours as a professional or be Olympic champion – what a thought after this year’s successes!”