The Nocturne Illuminates Blackpool
The UK's elite cyclists sped around the streets of Blackpool at phenomenal speeds for the final Nocturne of 2010. It was a fantastic atmosphere further added to by the Brilliance Light and Sound show on Birley Street.
Cycling fans, families, locals and the usual partygoers lined the cobbled streets of Blackpool's town centre, cheering on the riders. The course was tight with little or no margin for error, before riders had to sprint through the Brilliance Sound and Light show.
Downing (Rapha Condor Sharp) and Simon Richardson (Sigma Sport Specialized) led from the front, with Downing seemingly the only rider able to go with Richardson's huge attack in the early stages.
Downing though, won the event at the fourth time of asking. He and Richardson worked well, but were shadowed throughout the race by Dave Clarke. Despite his best chasing efforts, he was outnumbered by a Rapha Condor Sharp squad looking for yet another podium position. Kristian House and Dean Windsor kept Clarke under control, but Windsor then suddenly shot off through the Red Bull chicane and took third place.
Motorpoint-Marshalls Pasta riders finished a respectable 8th - Johnny McEvoy and 13th - Malcolm Elliot.
