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Location: Preston, Lancashire
Event: 7th August 2011

The Elite Circuit Race Series comes to a conclusion with the City of Preston GP Races on Sunday 7th August with Rapha Condor Sharp's Dean Downing on top heading into the final round of the five event series.

Rapha have dominated the circuit scene this season with Graham Briggs' win in the National Circuit Championships in Beverley consolidating the team's success, with Briggs also third in a Rapha 1-2-3 in the Elite Circuit Series standings with Dean Windsor in second spot.  Leader Downing has optimised consistency throughout the series, finishing in the top two in each race so far and if he can replicate such form again the title will be his.

Photo: Rapha win again as Ed Clancy led a 1-2-3-4 for the men in black

The race itself is set in the heart of Preston in a 1km town centre circuit, starting at the Covered Market on Earl Street, before turning left onto Lancaster Road, Ormskirk Road, then into Ringway, left into Friargate, left onto Orchard Street and finally back to the Covered Market. The field is set to include 2010 Elite Circuit Series winner Ian Wilkinson along with Endura teammate and Otley Town Centre winner Scott Thwaites as well as Motorpoint's Preston-born Ian Bibby.

In addition to the elite race at 1.30pm, the British Cycling Women's National Circuit Race Championships also takes place beforehand with Hannah Barnes of Motorpoint the reigning champion.

Reflecting on a successful series, British Cycling's cycle sport and membership director Jonny Clay commented: "Cycling is growing in popularity in the UK and the Elite Circuit Race Series aims to raise the standard of competition amongst top level British cyclists.

"We have put together a calendar of closed road circuit races in towns across the country and hope these will act as a showcase for cycling, introducing the sport to new audiences."

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