PEDAL power could be felt all around at the annual East Lancashire Bike Fest.

Yesterday, thousands caught a glimpse of the extremes of cycling at the third festival.

Olympic and world champions took part in a high-speed dash down Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, while an elite 100-mile Tour of Pendle and Ribble Valley took shape.

Despite a slow start --Olympian Bradley Wiggins failed to show at the start and only three riders competed in the Science in Sport sprint instead of the anticipated 18 -- the pace began to rise as the event went through the gears.

Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy, 500-metre world sprint champion Victoria Pendleton and James Griffin battled it out in the sprint, reaching 45mph, while 76 riders took on the gruelling hills of East Lancashire's countryside.

The trio had a round robin, with Pendleton beating Hoy in the final. The winner who collected £1,000 was delighted at the surprise victory.

She said: "It is a lot harder than on the track but good fun.

I'm really pleased I won."

Chris said a lot of people could not make it as they had commitments in Europe but was confident the contest would catch on.

"I think its a good indicator of what we can do and we could have a series throughout the country showcasing sprinting, bringing it to a wider audience.

If that happened I'm convinced we could get at least 18 sprinters and maybe competitors from abroad," he said.

In the road race, the 20 per cent climb up Black Hill, Sabden, started to take its toll and 40 dropped out due to the warm weather.

Duncan Urquhart was cheered past the finish line by more than 1,000 spectators, followed by Steve Cummings and Rob Sharmon.

Kirsty Goodwill, nine, from Gisburn Road, Barnoldswick, said: "The sprinting is good but it looks a bit scary because they go so fast."

He dad John, 48, who has cycled from Pendle to Spain and rode in the Himalayas, added: "The event was good and well organised."

Organiser Mark Sandamas said he was disappointed with the withdrawal of Wiggins and the small sprint field but declared it a success.

He said: "The riders I have spoken to found it an enjoyable and testing course and enjoyed the atmosphere.

We have got the sprint started now and can build on it next year."

The festival continues on Wednesday in Colne and Clitheroes, from 7pm.