OLYMPIC champion Ed Clancy took the Colne Grand Prix title after prevailing in a bunch sprint after a frantic night of racing.

Clancy, winner of this race in 2011, took the honours with a well-timed move to finish ahead of Dean Downing.

And Clancy, who won gold alongside Colne’s Steven Burke in the individual pursuit in last year’s Olympic final, was delighted to claim another victory at a course he admits he loves coming to.

“I really enjoyed coming to this track as I won here two years ago and it’s a great place to win,” said Clancy.

“It was a really difficult ending in a bunch sprint but it is really great to claim the victory.”

Local favourite Burke, and Barnoldswick ace Ian Wilkinson, also took to the start for what was the fourth round of the Elite Circuit Series.

At the finish Burke said: “It was a pretty tough race but it is really nice to my home town in my home crowd. I got a lot of support and that made it all worth it.”

Ninety riders set off in the biggest ever entry for the race with Russell Hampton (Raleigh) back to defend the title he won last year.

Racing got underway later than scheduled after a crash in the support race – which was won by Bill Nickson. That event also included a number of riders from local clubs such as Rossendale and Pendle Forest.

The Elite race got underway at a frantic pace with a number of riders keen to ensure they stayed out of trouble at the front end of proceedings.

Kristian House (Rapha Condor) briefly broke clear of the field but was quickly hauled back in.

Peter Williams (IG Sigma Sport) made a couple of attempts to get clear but Raleigh and Rapha Condor made efforts to ensure that his bids were unsuccessful.

In the end those two teams ensured it ended in a sprint, where Clancy prevailed.

There was also a Cycle Sport Pendle event which featured young riders racing round the circuit while a Chopper Dash saw competitors run to their bikes, and complete two laps of the course for the honour of being crowned champion.

Champagne was also given to the competitor with the best Bradley Wiggins-style sideburns.

Elite race top three: 1: Ed Clancy, 2: Dean Downing, 3: Felix English.