A challenging course tested top riders to the limit with thrills and spills at an improved Huddersfield Criterium last night.

Hundreds of cycling fans turned out to watch pro and amateur riders tackle tight turns, wet surfaces and unruly manhole covers at the second annual Criterium.

And despite the odd crash, riders, trainers and spectators lauded organisers for a thrilling set of races around Huddersfield town centre.

Among those singing the Criterium’s praises was One Pro Cycling team owner Simon Chappell.

The Surrey-based pro team, co-owned by ex-England cricketer Matt Prior, fielded race winner Pete Williams and third place winner Sam Williams.

Mr Chappell said: “We’ve got three out of five of the top ranked UK teams and that’s a real achievement.”

He added: “It’s a good, grippy course and our riders have really been looking forward to it.”

Also impressed was Britain’s first Tour de France stage winner Brian Robinson.

Mirfield-born Robinson, 84, enjoyed watching his grandson Jake Womersley and granddaughter Becky Womersley race in the elite and women’s races respectively.

He said: “Everything has been brilliantly organised. The weather has put some people off but the Criterium has made real progress on last year.

“These things take time to grow but the circuit is better than last year’s and we’ve had some better riders.”

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Holmfirth Cycling Club rider Jim Brown took part in the youth race.

Jim, 14, from Holmfirth, said: “It was quite a tough course. I was taking it steady around the corners because I’m in national championships and didn’t want to crash – but I enjoyed it and I’d do it again.”

The race attracted amateur riders from across the North including Tom Lowe, 20, who was riding for Lancaster University in the support race.

Tom said: “It was a very challenging course but it was fun racing with some really good guys.

“There were a few crashes and the impacts were pretty hard but I’d definitely come back.”

Among the local riders achieving glory was Holmfirth-born Gabriel Cullaigh, who raced in his Team GB jersey to second place in the elite race.

Race organiser and Mirfield councillor, Martyn Bolt, added: “It was a great opportunity for Kirklees to blow its trumpet.

“The number of Kirklees riders on the podium showed what a fantastic sporting achievement it was for Kirklees.

“It’s put Kirklees in national prominence.”