Thrilling finish to Ryedale race

Russell Downing pipped Ian Wilkinson in the Ryedale Grand Prix

There was a close finish to the Ryedale Grand Prix road cycle race after 112 miles of exciting tactical manoeuvres and a series of breakaway groups.

In the end the result went to form as Premier Calendar Series leader Russell Downing pipped challenger Ian Wilkinson on the finish line at Duncombe Park.

Kit Gilham, a former rider with the Clifton club from York, finished 14th.

Race director Bob Howden told BBC York: "It's probably one of the most exciting races we have ever had."

He added: "We've never had a finish which has been so cat-and-mouse."

Gilham and Irishman Phil Lavery broke from the pack after only three miles, with Kevin Dawson joining them soon afterwards.

The Howardian Hills are tough enough, especially when we go up each one about 20 times

York Cycleworks rider Alastair Kay

The trio led for most of the race before being overhauled in the closing stages, with Dawson claiming a hard-earned third place.

The Rydale event was stage six of the series and there are five more races to go, with one based at Beverley and the final one based at Richmond in Swaledale.

York's James Sharp finished 16th and Howden added: "That's an impressive achievement for a category two rider."

Sharp rides for the York Cycleworks team alongside Alastair Kay, who finished 47th.

Sharp said: "There were friends and family on every corner," and Kay replied: "We enjoy the shouts, they're a distraction from the discomfort.

"The Howardian Hills are tough enough, especially when we go up each one about 20 times."

In total 57 riders finished the course which took in several circuits of rolling hills around the villages of Helmsley, Hovingham, Gilling East and Terrington.